A COUPLE and their six dogs escaped virtually unscathed when their Land Rover toppled over on the A38 between Bickington and Ashburton today.

All three emergency services dealt with the incident on the Plymouth-bound carriageway just before 9am.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident which caused tailbacks of traffic extending two miles.

The man and woman, who were not trapped in their vehicle, were checked over at the scene by paramedics.

They did not need to go to hospital.

Their dogs, believed to be whippets, were not harmed.

There were plans to also close off the Exeter-bound carriageway amid fears the dogs might panic, run off and cause traffic mayhem.

Police said the road was clear by 10.30am after the green and white Land Rover Defender was recovered from the scene.

l Just 20 minutes before the accident two cars – a Citroen and Ford Fiesta – were involved in a shunt on the Exeter-bound carriageway. Police said no one was injured.