There are currently closures on the M57 due to a car fire.
Two lanes are closed on the motorway southbound from J7 (M58 / Switch Island) to J6 A506 Valley Road ( Kirkby ).
Heavy traffic is being reported in the area and also congestion onto the M58.
Witnesses claimed to see a "ball of flames" on the M57 as smoke billows from the area.
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Ellen Kirwin
"Please avoid the area"
A fire service spokesperson has said that while firefighting activities are winding down, it's an "ongoing incident" and pople should "avoid the area."
One lane is closed and there's queueing traffic due to car fire on M57 Southbound from J7 (M58 / Switch Island) to J6 A506 Valley Road ( Kirkby ).
Ellen Kirwin
Merseyside fire and rescue service statement
A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said:
We are in attendance at an incident along the M57 Southbound carriageway between junction 7 Switch Island and junction 6 Valley Road, Sefton.
Crews were alerted at 07.55 and two fire engines were on scene at 08.03. An additional engine was requested and arrived shortly after to support water relay.
On arrival crews were met with one vehicle well alight. Firefighters in breathing apparatus (BA) quickly utilised two hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze.
Merseyside Police are also in attendance to assist with traffic management as a result of lane closures.
Once the fire was extinguished, crews began damping down with hose reels and making the scene safe.
Although firefighting activities are winding down, this is an ongoing incident, please avoid the area.
Ellen Kirwin
Police and fire service in attendance
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and police are in attendance.
Officers are at the scene to assist with traffic management as a result of lane closures.
While two fire engines are at the scene to extinguish the blaze.
Ellen Kirwin
Heavy traffic
Heavy traffic is being reported due to the incident, with travel time around 15 minutes above average.
A number of closures are also in place including a lane between Switch Island and J6 Valley Road.
Ellen Kirwin
Closure in place
Lanes are closed closed due to car fire on M57 Southbound from J7 (M58 / Switch Island) to J6 A506 Valley Road ( Kirkby ).
There's also traffic to the M58.