TWO men from East Lancashire have been arrested and are helping police with inquiries following an incident involving armed officers on the outskirts of Sedbergh in south Cumbria on Wednesday.

Police said a lorry reportedly stolen from the Leicestershire area on Monday was found on fire on the A684 road at Shackla Bank between junction 37 of the M6 motorway and Sedbergh.

Firefighters from Sedbergh tackled the blaze that severely damaged the cab of the lorry.

The road was closed for a time, causing traffic congestion in the area, and re-opened again shortly after noon.

The two men -- a 28-year-old from Accrington and a 26-year-old from Rossendale -- were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery and arson and are still being interviewed by police in Loughborough after officers successfully applied to magistrates to continue their questioning.

A spokesman for Leicestershire Constabulary confirmed the incident was "still under investigation".