A lorry overturned and spilled sugar products over a busy north Suffolk road, which was closed for almost eight hours while a clear-up operation was completed.

Suffolk police was alerted to reports of an accident involving an articulated lorry on the A1065, Brandon Road, in Lakenheath at around 8.45am.

A force spokesman said the vehicle was carrying a load of molasses, or some other sugar beet product, causing the road to become hazardous.

The lorry was recovered from the road by 2.20pm.

The road was finally reopened just after 4.30pm following the arrival of a large sweeper to clear the carriageway of mud.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said five vehicles had been sent to assist with the incident, from Thetford, Brandon, Mildenhall and two from Newmarket.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust was called to help the lorry driver.

An EEAST spokesman said: “An ambulance crew and ambulance officer were dispatched to Brandon Road to a report of a lorry that had overturned.

“They assessed the driver at the scene who was taken to West Suffolk Hospital as a precautionary measure.”

Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes.

No other vehicles are reported to have been involved in the accident.