SHOCKING images have shown the aftermath of a lorry fire that has caused the closure of a stretch of the M62 this morning (Tuesday, January 31).

The incident took place last night (Monday, January 30) at around 9pm and involved a lorry on fire between J7 and J8, which saw the M62 being closed to eastbound traffic. It remains closed this morning. 

"Complex recovery work" is ongoing and emergency crews have been on the scene overnight.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "The M62 in Merseyside is closed eastbound between J7 (St Helens) and J8 (Burtonwood) due to an earlier lorry fire.

"The vehicle is in the process of being recovered which is expected to take several hours. Once recovery is complete, the road will be inspected and emergency resurfacing works will take place."

A diversion route has been put in place. A stretch of the eastbound carriageway is also shut off this morning at junction 10 for the Croft Interchange due to a crash. Two lorries were involved at J10 M6 J21A (Croft Interchange).

Emergency services are in attendance.

Diversion Routes

Eastbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol.

Exit the M62 eastbound at J7 and join the A57 westbound

Continue until the junction with Lingley Green Avenue

Turn left onto Lingley Green Avenue

Continue until the roundabout with Whittle Avenue

At the roundabout, turn left and join Whittle Avenue

Continue until the Burtonwood Road roundabout and then turn left onto Burtonwood Road

At the Burtonwood Road/M62 J8 roundabout, turn right and re-join the M62 eastbound.