TWO lanes were closed on the M6 after a car burst into flames this morning (June 7).

The incident happened at around 9.30am on the southbound carriageway by junction 19.

Highways England closed lanes one and two as a result of the fire, which was initially reported as being a lorry, with delays of up to 30 minutes.

After the fire was extinguised the lanes were re-opened to all traffic at around 11.30am.

Knutsford Guardian:

The remains of the car following the fire

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to the scene just before 9.30am, sending two engines, from Lymm and Middlewich.

A spokesman said: "Firefighters attended to a vehicle fire on the M6 southbound between junction 19 to junction 18.

"The car was located on the grass verge of the motorway.

"Highways England closed lanes one and two as a precaution.

"Wearing two breathing apparatus crews used two hose reels to put out the flames.

"Crews checked the temperature using the thermal imaging camera and continued to damp down."

North West Motorway Police confirmed the driver of the car managed to escape unhurt.

They tweeted:

"Thankfully the driver is ok and not injured at all which is great news.

"Recovery is being arranged."

The delays stretched back more than six miles with the average speed of traffic approaching the incident travelling at around 10mph.