The motorway was shut between junction 11 for Cambridge south and junction 10 for Duxford and Royston, Cambridgeshire. Traffic was stationary in both directions since 6am while emergency services dealt with the blaze, said to have happened on the southbound side.

       It was feared the stretch will remain closed for several hours.

       Diversions were in place but tailbacks have worsened during rush hour.

       Northbound drivers left at junction 10, Cambridgeshire Live says, and went on the A505 and A1301 through Sawston and Great Shelford to have rejoined the motorway at junction 11.

       Southbound drivers were being held while the fire was put under control.

       National Highways East has tweeted: "Traffic within the northbound closure is being turned from the rear of the queue and released back to J10 where it can join the diversion route.

       "Southbound traffic is being held until the vehicle has been extinguished and will then be released. We appreciate your patience."

       The carriageway itself needed to be repaired, according to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

       Three fire crews were on the scene.

       The service said in a tweet: "NB expected to be closed a number of hours for carriageway repairs after the fire is out and lorry recovered."

       A man stuck in traffic on his way towards Duxford said traffic is "at a standstill" near the lorry fire.

       He added that he could see "black smoke" from his car.

       It is unclear if anyone has been injured in the fire and, if so, to what extent.