BOTH carriageways of a motorway had to be closed after a van burst into flames.

The emergency situation happened on the westbound carriageway of the M62, between junction 29 (Lofthouse) and junction 28 (Tingley).

It was first reported at 3.47pm, according to the AA.

Traffic was initially held on the westbound and eastbound carriageways for 30 minutes from 3.45pm.

The latter has since reopened, but lanes one and two (of four) on the westbound carriageway are still shut.

This is causing traffic to stretch beyond junction 30 (Rothwell).

It is adding an extra 45 minutes onto journeys.