Part of the M6 near Carlisle has been closed after car caught fire and fuel spillage.

All lanes were shut earlier this evening on the northbound carriageway between junction 41 and 42.

The car was near to junction 42.

A police spokeswoman said no one has been hurt.

The closure came into effect around 4.25pm.

Both sides of the motorway had just reopened following an earlier "police incident".

The road was shut in both directions between junction 42 Carlisle South and junction 43 for the A69 near Scotby.

Diversions were in place along London Road and Warwick Road, although reports suggest traffic was only moving very slowly.

The incident was reported about 2.40pm with the road being closed shortly afterwards. Traffic started moving again around 4.15pm.

The northbound carriageway of the M6 was at a complete standstill.

At the time of the incident, a police spokeswoman said: "Motorists are asked to avoid the area and take diversions."

The closure led to the southbound carriageway being completely deserted. Eyewitnesses say people were playing football on the normally busy motorway to pass the time.

They added that a spontaneous round of applause broke out from stranded motorists on the northbound carriageway when the road reopened.

Traffic was led back down the southbound side by a police escort.