Motorists travelling on the M11 tonight are being told to expect disruption after a lorry carrying 40 tonnes of hay caught fire on the road.

East Anglian Daily Times: The lorry was carrying 40 tonnes of hay when it caught fire on the M11 Picture: LIAM COLLINSThe lorry was carrying 40 tonnes of hay when it caught fire on the M11 Picture: LIAM COLLINS (Image: LIAM COLLINS)

Essex police and fire services are currently dealing with a serious lorry fire on the nortbound carriageway of the M11 between junctions eight and nine, near Stansted Airport.

Firefighters were alerted to the incident at shortly after 5pm today. On arrival, crews reported that the lorry was carrying around 40 tonnes of hay and the whole vehicle was alight.

Five fire engines were called to the scene, including two from Harlow, one from Chelmsford, one from Stansted and one from Brentwood.

The road has been closed and morotists are being told to avoid the area. Those travelling southbound between the junctions affected are also being advised to keep their windows closed due to smoke.