Smouldering wreck of the lorry on the hard shoulder of the M6

All lanes which were closed on the M6 have now re-opened.

Four of the five lanes of the motorway were closed between junctions 31 and 32 northbound while cleaning and resurfacing work takes place following an earlier lorry fire and spillage.

There are still delays on the M6 motorways and surrounding the surrounding local road network but congestion has eased.

MORE: M6 chaos after lorry fire

Police and emergency services have contingency plans in place to respond to normal demand.

Chief Inspector Damian Kitchen, of Lancashire Police, said: “We appreciate the frustration this sort of incident can cause motorists and we appreciate the understanding and co-operation of those who are caught up in it.

“Our partner agencies are working hard with our assistance to get the motorway open again as soon as possible.

“I would urge drivers at this time to avoid the area if they haven’t already set off but if you are stuck in these delays and need emergency assistance then please call 999 as we have contingency plans in place to be able to get to you.

“I would also ask for people not to call us to alert us to the delays as we are already aware and our call handlers are busy dealing with other calls.”