TRAFFIC southbound on the M61 between junction eight and junction six has been temporarily stopped due to a fire.

Numerous emergency services are on the scene dealing with the blaze, which is to believed to have begun earlier this afternoon.

Highways England said that due to the number of vehicles dealing with the incident, lanes one and two are closed to provide a "safe working area."

Firefighters and Police Officers from Lancashire and Greater Manchester are on the scene.

The crews are additionally dealing with a spillage on the stretch of motorway between Chorley and Horwich.