THE M62 was closed this morning after a lorry caught fire.

Emergency services are on the scene after the incident on the eastbound carriageway, which occurred near to junction nine at Winwick at around 7.30am.

The Bolton News:

Pictures and video by Brad Stockton

Severe congestion is reported back to junction seven at Rainhill as a result.

Traffic officers estimate delays of around one hour, with queues snaking back six miles.

One lane was initially closed, with the vehicle on the hard shoulder, but the whole carriageway was then shut shortly before 8am to allow firefighters to extinguish the blaze.

Traffic was being diverted off the motorway at Winwick and re-joining on the opposite side of the junction.

The Bolton News:

One lane reopened shortly after 8.30am and a second lane closure was lifted at around 9am, but the other lane remains shut at present.

It is believed that no injuries were suffered during the incident.