LIVE: M6 closed amid huge lorry fire - latest updates

A stretch of the M6 has been closed following a huge lorry fire overnight.

The M6 was closed in both directions by 2.30am today (April 14) as crews dealt with a blaze between junctions 22 at Winwick and 23 for the East Lancs Road.

The southbound carriageway reopened around an hour later, but the northbound carriageway remains closed this morning.

National Highways is warning that the road is likely to remain closed for 'several hours' for repairs.

Traffic is also currently unable to join the M6 north from the M62, with the exit slip roads from both the M62 east and westbound closed off at junction 10 for the Croft Interchange.

A National Highways spokesperson said: "The M6 in Greater Manchester is closed northbound between J22 (Winwick) & J23 (Haydock Island) due a substantial lorry fire.

"Manchester Fire & Rescue, Greater Manchester Police and National Highways Traffic Officers are in attendance..

"The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours due to the significance of the blaze and the high likelihood of carriageway repairs once the fire has been extinguished."

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

There is slow traffic on the M6 northbound approaching junction 22 at Winwick.

Drivers are also facing queues on the A49 northbound through Newton-le-Willows, on the diversion route.

These images show crews battling the blaze in the early hours.

This was the scene as the fire first broke out, before crews arrived.

Part of the M6 has been closed since the early hours following a huge lorry fire.

Crews have been in attendance between junctions 22 and 23.

Both sides of the motorway were initially closed, before the southbound carriageway reopened.

The northbound M6 is expected to remain closed