THE engine compartment of a car was completely destroyed by a fire in Taunton town centre.

Fire crews attended reports of a car fire on the Upper High Street earlier this morning (Tuesday, June 18) at around 4.54am

A spokesperson for the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “One fire engine from Taunton was sent to a report of a car fire in the Upper High Street of Taunton.

“On arrival, crews confirmed this vehicle was well alight.

“Crews extinguished the fire using: one breathing apparatus, one hose reel "Jet, and one thermal image camera.

“The engine compartment of the vehicle was 100 per cent destroyed by fire and the cause of the fire was accidental.”

At around 5.36am a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We are assisting our colleagues from Somerset Fire at a vehicle fire on Upper High Street in Taunton.

"Upper High Street towards Musgrove Park Hospital will be open, however, will be closed in the opposite direction.

"This should be no longer than 2 hours as we wait for the vehicle to cool down so it can be recovered safely."