A dramatic car fire forced the closure of the Croydon underpass last night.

Police and the London Fire Brigade were called to the road just after 6pm after a car "exploded" into flames.

Traffic was closed in both directions and trams were suspended between Reeves Corner and East Croydon while emergency services dealt with the fire. 

A video posted on social media captured the moment the fire engine arrived to deal with the burning vehicle.

CCTV stills from Transport for London show crowds gathering at the side of the road to watch the fire.

Paul Seeraj was working in nearby Norfolk House when he heard "an enormous bang".

He said: "When I looked out the window I saw intense flames. It looked like something out of Die Hard."

Other photos show smoke billowing from the mouth of the underpass.

The fire was under control by 6.24pm, a fire brigade spokesman said.

It is unclear why the car caught alight.

Did you see what happened? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6388 or email daniel.omahony@newsquest.co.uk