M40: Lorry carrying carpets catches fire on motorway

National Highways said traffic disruption continued while the lorry was recovered

A lorry carrying vehicle carpets has been destroyed by a fire on the M40.

Smoke and loud bangs from its tyres exploding could be heard around the Bicester area at about 05:45 BST.

The motorway was fully closed southbound between junction 10 at Ardley and junction 9 at Bicester - all lanes reopened shortly before 11:30.

National Highways said the hard shoulder would remain shut to be resurfaced overnight. No injuries have been reported.

Crews from four Oxfordshire stations arrived to find the lorry engulfed in flames

Motorists faced delays of up to two hours when the traffic problems were at their worst.

The southbound carriageway was shut for about an hour before a lane was opened to allow traffic to pass.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from four stations were sent along with a specialist water carrier.

The lorry had been carrying vehicle carpets