A Royal Mail lorry and a car transporter have caught fire, following a crash on the M11.

The incident initially occurred at around 4.44am this morning (Thursday, September 1).

Between Junction 8 and Junction 9 of the M11's southbound carriageway, the Royal Mail lorry and car transporter collided, leading to both vehicles catching fire.

One of the HGVs (heavy goods vehicles) left the road, and settled in some bushes nearby.

Around 1700 litres of diesel also leaked from both vehicles onto the carriageway.

All lanes of the M11's southbound carriageway have been closed, whilst the emergency services deal with the incident.

A spokesperson for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters are working to extinguish a lorry fire.

"Due to the lorry being down an embankment with difficult access, crews are working to remove the lorry to extinguish the fire.

"Once removed from the embankment, crews will work to extinguish the fire.

"Crews are also working to recover another lorry and make the scene safe ready for resurfacing works to take place.

"We expect to remain at the scene for several hours to make the area safe.

"Please continue to avoid the area."

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police added: "We were called at 4.55am this morning (Thursday) with reports of a collision on the M11 southbound just before the Stansted turn-off, involving a lorry which was on fire, having left the road and gone into some bushes.

"Full closure of the M11 southbound from Junction 9."

A spokesperson for Essex police commented: "We were called to the M11 at around 4:40am this morning (September 1) following reports of a collision involving two lorries, which had set alight.

"We are supporting the fire service on scene whilst the vehicles are being recovered."