PART of a motorway is set to remain closed until 8am tomorrow morning after a huge lorry fire in the carriageway.

Six crews from Essex Fire Service were called to the M11, between junctions 10 and 8, at about 5pm on Wednesday.

A lorry was alight with firefighters setting about tackling the blaze.

Essex Police closed the road in both directions, with huge delays and some drivers stuck in the queue.

Braintree and Witham Times: Pictures show destruction after firefighters tackle huge lorry fire on motorway. Pictures: Essex Fire ServicePictures show destruction after firefighters tackle huge lorry fire on motorway. Pictures: Essex Fire Service

The northbound side of the motorway is set to remain closed until at least midnight this evening, with the southbound side not reopening fully until 8am tomorrow.

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Braintree and Witham Times: Pictures show destruction after firefighters tackle huge lorry fire on motorway. Pictures: Essex Fire ServicePictures show destruction after firefighters tackle huge lorry fire on motorway. Pictures: Essex Fire Service

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We'd like to thank those who are in stationary traffic on the M11 for their patience.

"Officers are working to turn around cars already on the motorway where possible.

"Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in the earlier lorry fire and our colleagues in Essex Fire Service have now got the fire under control.

"We have been advised that it is unlikely that the northbound carriageway will re-open before midnight.

"The southbound carriageway will need additional work from our colleagues in Highways England, and is unlikely to be open before 8am tomorrow.

"If you are looking to travel on the northbound carriageway later this evening or the southbound carriageway early tomorrow morning, please seek alternative routes."