A FIRE shut down the M6 motorway for hours.

The southbound carriageway was closed off overnight after a lorry caught fire.

The blaze, between junctions 18 and 17, began at around 7.30pm with emergency services sent to the scene.

More than two miles of queuing traffic built up behind the closure, with some motorists reportedly stuck in their cars for several hours before the road reopened shortly before 6am on Tuesday (March 12).

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service sent three engines to the scene, one each from the Middlewich, Northwich and Crewe stations.

Speaking shortly after they arrived, a spokesperson said: “Firefighters are currently tackling a fire involving a HGV trailer which was well-alight on arrival.

“Crews are using hose reel jets and breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire.

“A full closure has been put in place on the Southbound carriageway.”

Updating just before 10pm on Monday (March 11), they added: “Firefighters continue to make good progress in tackling the fire which consists of mixed goods including tyres.

“Crews are using two sets of breathing apparatus, one main jet, two hose reel jets, and a water bowser.

“National Highways are maintaining the road closure visit their website for the latest traffic updates.”

National Highways took to social media on Tuesday morning to confirm the road had reopened.

“Vehicle recovery and clear-up work is complete and the M6 southbound is open between J18  Middlewich and J17 Sandbach. Please have a safe onward journey this morning,” read the post shared at 5.53am.