The M1 has been closed at Junction 22 for Coalville this morning (Tuesday) due to a lorry fire on the southbound carriageway.

Coalville fire crew was among those called to the blaze with a lorry trailer well alight at around 7am.

Highways England said J22 remained closed at around 8am while recovery and contractors work on recovering the vehicle.

Diversions are in place but traffic is heavy and motorists are advised to avoid this route if possible.

Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service says that crews from Loughborough, Coalville and Shepshed were called to the incident which happened between J21A and J21.

Large amounts of smoke were seen in the area causing the motorway to be closed.

The incident is approx. 1/2 mile before the Leicester Forest East Services.

No casualties have been reported from the scene where fire fighters were using one hose reel jet and two sets of breathing apparatus in use.

The Northbound carriageway of the M1 has been re-opened.