Live: M6 shut after 999 crews scrambled to ‘substantial’ lorry fire

Emergency services have been scrambled to a 'substantial' fire involving a truck on the M6. And the incident, which occurred in the early hours - has left the northbound carriageway shut between Junction 22 and Junction 23. Meanwhile during the height of the blaze, which has seen Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, along with Greater Manchester Police sent to the scene, thick smoke had poured over onto the southbound carriageway causing that carriageway to be stopped.

Now the northbound remains shut - and is expected to remain closed for 'several hours'. A spokesperson for National Highways said: "The M6 in Greater Manchester is closed northbound between J22 (Winwick) and J23 (Haydock Island) due to a substantial lorry fire. "Greater Manchester Fire and 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."

Further updates will appear in our dedicated blog below.