Traffic congestion in Carlisle

The accident happened when two HGVs collided on the northbound carriageway at the junction of the M6/A74, at 0145 on Friday.

Wayne Mellor, 39, from Bacup, in Lancashire, died when his cab caught fire.

Motorists are being warned of 15-mile tailbacks on the M6 that could last until midnight, almost 24 hours after the crash.

The Highways Agency is carrying out resurfacing work which has meant closing the northbound carriageway - the main west coast route into Scotland.

Police appeal

Diversions are in place via Longtown, but there have been reports of minor accidents on the road. Drivers are being asked to avoid the area.

Traffic in Carlisle city centre has also been adversely affected as have bus services.

Inspector Kevin Greenhow, from Cumbria Police, appealed to motorists stranded in tailbacks to be patient.