A VAN fire has closed three lanes of the M6 northbound in Cheshire.

A vehicle caught fire on the hard shoulder between junctions 18 and 19, from Middlewich to Knutsford.

Firefighters were called at 6.45pm.

Highways England says there is three miles of congestion as emergency services are at the scene.

Knutsford Guardian: Drivers face heavy congestion on the M6 following a van fireDrivers face heavy congestion on the M6 following a van fire (Image: Highways England)

Drivers are warned of long delays.

Firefighters used two hose reel jets to put out the blaze and are now dampening down the vehicle.

The motorway was closed in both directions earlier this evening while emergency crews tackled the fire.

Lane four has now reopened.

Firefighters from Middlewich, Lymm and Holmes Chapel are dealing with the incident.