A motorway running through Lancashire is closed heading northbound due to a lorry fire.

The M6 is currently shut between J35 (Carnforth) and J36 (Crooklands Interchange) while emergency services deal with the incident.

At around 2.50am this morning (March 23), two fire engines were sent to the scene of the lorry fire.

There are currently delays of around 45 minutes on the approach to the diversion and traffic caught within the closure is being released from the back of the queue.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "The M6 in Cumbria is closed northbound between J35 and J36 due to a Heavy Goods Vehicle fire. 

"Cumbria Fire and Rescue crews have extinguished the fire.

"As a result of the fire, a large amount of diesel has spilled into all lanes of the carriageway. Specialist clean up crews are clearing the spillage. The carriageway will then need to be inspected to determine whether the diesel and fire has damaged the road surface, and if resurfacing is required.

"The closure is likely to remain in place for several hours further."

A spokesperson for the fire service said: "At 2.49am on March 23, two fire engines from Bolton le Sands, Carnforth and a fire engine from Milnthorpe along with the water bowser from Leyland attended a incident on the M6 North between Junction 35 and 36.

"One large vehicle was well alight when crews arrrived. Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.

"Crews were in attendance for several hours."

The area where the fire has happened is right on the border between Lancashire and Cumbria.

AA Traffic News is showing that heavy queues are backing up all the way to J34 at Lancaster.