TYRES were exploding and metal parts popping off as a car was engulfed by a spectacular, fierce fire on the Marlow bypass described as being like something from a war film scene.

There was nobody to be seen in or anywhere near the wrecked car on the A404 when firefighters arrived last night about 9.45pm.

Police dogs were brought in to search but a driver could not be found, the fire service said.

The unattended vehicle was found by crews from Marlow and High Wycombe on the northbound carriageway between the Bisham roundabout and the Marlow exit in the slow lane.

Dan Green, High Wycombe fire station Crew Manager, said: “It was a very fierce fire when we got there.

“As we were arriving tyres were exploding and things like the gas struts which help the boot lift up and other parts were popping and exploding.

“Putting water on aluminium alloy enhances that part of the fire temporarily, like you would see in war films when you see big phosphorous sparks.

“It explodes like that, big molten white lumps of metal start flying out on impact of the water.

“It's quite a sight. There was only metal left (of the car), everything else was burnt off.”

The road was shut temporarily for safety.

Mr Green added: “Police were on the scene but there was no driver or owner.”

No more information from police about the owner has been available so far.