Dramatic pictures and videos from the scene captured flames roaring from the HGV stricken on the northbound carriageway between junction 20 for Lymm and junction 21 for east Warrington in Cheshire. Traffic was at a standstill for several hours from around 7.35am as emergency services tackled the inferno.

       Miraculously no one was injured in the fire, but the lorry was completely charred - as were the potato waffles inside the vehicle.

       Five fire engines attended the blaze and the rescue operation lasted several hours. During which, traffic went past junction 19 for Knutsford in the county.

       Some drivers left here and used the A50 as a diversion through Knutsford and Mere, and then used local roads through Lymm to reach junction 20 near Warrington.

       However, these roads were also congested throughout the day.

       One image published by Cheshire Live shows firefighters, each wearing breathing apparatus, use three hose reels.

       Another photo shows a number of firefighters attending the scene and attempting to extinguish the fire whilst surrounded by smoke.

       A third picture captures the aftermath of the fire, with the lorry damaged severely from the blaze.

       "Firefighters are currently dealing with a HGV on fire on the M6 northbound, Thelwall viaduct between junctions 20 and 21," a spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said earlier.

       "Crews wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the fire using three hose reels."