Two lanes of the motorway had to be closed early on Friday morning after a van burst into flames.

The southbound carriageways of the M61 close to junction eight for Chorley and junction six for Bolton North/Horwich were closed at around 3.45am.

Fire crews extinguished the flames, but a carriageway closure was put in place for a couple of hours so the vehicle could be recovered and an assessment of the road integrity carried out.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A spokesperson for Highways England said: "The M61 southbound J8 at Chorley/A674/A6 to J6 for Bolton North/Horwich/A6027 - two lanes have been closed due to a van on fire.

"The fire service are on scene treating the blaze, and recovery has been requested for the vehicle."

At around 4.45am, the spokesperson added: "The M61 southbound J8 towards J6 - two lanes remain closed as a result of the earlier vehicle fire.

"The fire has been extinguished and the vehicle has been recovered, however the carriageway now needs to be assessed with it likely needing resurfacing."

An extra lane was opened at 5.30am but as of 6am, the carriageway was fully re-opened.