TWO miles of traffic were reported on the M53 earlier this afternoon after a "car fire" on the motorway.

Shocked residents reported seeing a car go up in flames, believed to be a silver Range Rover, on the M53 southbound this afternoon (Saturday, October 28), between junction 4 at Clatterbridge and junction 5 at Hooton.

National Highways reported that two lanes of the motorway were closed as the emergency services dealt with the incident.

Long delays were reported by motorists as around two miles of congestion built up along the motorway.

Merseyside Police confirmed that road closures were in place following the "one vehicle" incident, although no injuries have been reported.

Both lanes re-opened at around 3.10pm after the fire service dealt with the incident.