The M6 was closed in both directions following a vehicle fire, police said

Traffic Officers said lanes would be fully reopened once smoke had cleared. The incident happened near junctions 33 and 32, where there were long delays.

Earlier Lancashire Road Police posted: "The carriageway is currently closed in both directions whilst @LancashireFRS deal with the incident. As soon as smoke clears the northbound we will reopen that side and then south will reopen soon after, but down to one lane."

Lancashire Police Traffic Officers also asked people to stay in their vehicles and not get out and 'take a walk' on the hard shoulder.

Lancashire Road Police posted: “Northbound is now open and the lane closures are being implemented southbound to allow traffic through. There are a number of people out of their cars stood on the motorway who need to return to their vehicles.

 “Folks this is ridiculous. We (the emergency services) are trying to deal with this and get you moving asap but we've been hindered getting to scene by the amount of people out of their cars and on the hard shoulder, including people walking dogs etc. It's dangerous and stupid."