A lorry became stuck in a historic Suffolk market town's street after being diverted from the A12, which has been shut to allow for work to a gas pipe.

The truck had tried to travel through Market Hill in Woodbridge on Tuesday after apparently seeking an alternative route through the town instead of the official diversion set up by Suffolk County Council's highways team.

Currently, gas network operator Cadent Gas is carrying out repairs following a major gas escape, which means that the A12 at Woodbridge is closed from January 30 until February 7.

However, a diversion route has been set up along the A14, A140 and A1120 before linking up with the A12 again at Yoxford.

Woodbridge Mayor Patrick Gillard said the lorry damaged bollards in Market Hill and police were called.

He said eventually, the HGV was able to be released by reversing down New Street and under a weighbridge near Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard pub.

"There were a lot of cars and lorries coming through Woodbridge to escape the jam and this lorry has ended up going into Market Hill.

"When there is a formal closure, there is a route that will take vehicles out of Woodbridge, but certainly not the way this lorry has come.

"The route this lorry has taken is not one that any diversion would normally take because it ended up on very narrow streets," Mr Gillard said.

He added the closure of the A12 was not just affecting evening traffic, but also rush hours.

"It is not really the sort of place you can drive large vehicles. It is a medieval square," he added.

A county council spokesperson said: "The official diversion route is A14, A140, A1120 and A12. This route was agreed as it was suitable for all vehicle sizes. Obviously, people can use alternative, shorter routes however these might not be suitable for HGVs."