M60 closed as emergency services tackle lorry fire - live updates

A section of the M60 motorway has been closed to due to a lorry fire.

National Highways North-West is reporting that the motorway has been closed clockwise between junction 23 at Ashton-under-Lyne and junction 24 at Denton owing to the blaze that started shortly after 10pm this evening.

Officers say that traffic has been temporarily stopped as the emergency services tackle the fire. Motorists are urged to avoid the area as traffic builds up.

It is not known how long the road will be closed for. Scroll down for the latest updates.

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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:“At 10:25pm this evening (Wednesday 20 July) we were called to reports of a vehicle fire on the M60 clockwise between junctions 23 and 24, involving an HGV on the hard shoulder generating a large plume of smoke.“Four fire engines from Ashton, Stalybridge and Hyde fire stations were quickly mobilised to the scene, together with support appliances, and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently tackling the fire using three hose reels and fire beaters.“Crews are being supported by colleagues from Greater Manchester Police, who will managing traffic around the incident area until firefighters have concluded their operations.”