M61 traffic - live: Huge lorry fire leaves southbound motorway closed in Greater Manchester

An oil spill stretching for around 2km has closed the M61 southbound in Greater Manchester , with motorists facing three miles of congestion and delays.

A National Highways spokesperson said two separate incidents took place on the M61 southbound on Thursday morning - a "significant" oil spillage from an HGV and a car fire. They clarified that the oil spill led to the closure of the carriageway between junction four (Watergate Lane Interchange) and junction two (Worsley Braided Interchange).

National Highways said oil spread across lanes one and two for approximately 2km (1.2 miles) as the HGV travelled along the motorway at around 8.20am. The carriageway was closed to allow a clean-up operation to take place safely.

National Highways said traffic officers are managing traffic at the scene and warned of delays of up to 35 minutes.

Separately, fire crews attended a car fire on the M61 southbound between junction five (Hunger Hill Interchange) and junction four (Watergate Lane Interchange) shortly after 9.30am, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said. The vehicle was moved to the hard shoulder, and crews remained at the scene for around 20 minutes. No injuries were reported.

National Highways said the closure is expected to remain in place for several hours as there is extensive oil spillage across lanes one and two.

The HGV involved in the spill has been recovered, and two sweepers and a sander have been called to the scene to help clear the oil.