THOUSANDS of nails and screws spilled onto a Melksham road causing traffic chaos as scores of drivers were left stranded with punctures.

A lorry shed its load of nails on the A350 at Beanacre last Thursday afternoon, May 14, creating a headache for drivers and police officers.

A squad car from Melksham was one of many vehicles falling victim to punctures as officers tried to stop the lorry near McDonald's restaurant.

The road was then sealed off towards Chippenham as officers swept up the hazard.

Dozens of drivers headed for tyre repair outlets in Melksham after driving over the carpet of nails.

Many vehicles were left with four punctured tyres.

Police are investigating the accident, which happened just after 2.30pm. Up to 25 cars could have been damaged by the nails.