CHESHIRE Police has warned motorway delays around Runcorn and Warrington are likely to continue for several hours after a lorry carrying tyres caught fire on the M56.

Emergency crews are currently working to clear the wreckage following the incident near Daresbury earlier this morning.

The eastbound carriageway was closed, but two lanes have been opened again.

However, police say that due to severe congestion, the area will take around another three hours to clear.

J12 and J14 slip roads remain closed to stop traffic joining the motorway and adding to the congestion.

Delays on the westbound carriageway around J9, Lymm, were also reported due to smoke from the fire, and in Warrington, as drivers leave the motorway.

Four fire engines rushed to the blaze at 5.50am between J10 and J11.

A trailer wheel was on fire on a lorry on the hard shoulder.

The trailer, carrying shredded tyres, caught alight affecting the hard shoulder and slip road with smoke affecting all three lanes.

A Cheshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "Firefighters, two wearing breathing apparatus, used two hose reel jets to tackle the blaze. 

"Firefighters awaited the arrival of a recovery vehicle and turned over the debris to make sure the fire is completely out.

"They are now working with a removal team to move tyre waste off the motorway."

Drivers are advised to find alternate routes.