M6 chemical fire 'under control'

A plume of smoke rises from the fire: pic from Archie McAteer

A chemical fire at a Lancashire industrial site which forced a motorway closure has been brought under control.

Drums of chemicals were exploding on the Veolia Cleanaway site on the Red Scar industrial estate in Ribbleton, in the early hours of Monday.

People living nearby were advised to stay indoors and close all windows and doors.

The M6 was closed between junctions 31 at Samlesbury and junction 32 at the M55 but reopened just after 1000 BST.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said 10 pumps had been fighting the fire but it had now been brought under control.

Police appealed to motorists to "be patient and stay calm" until the road congestion had been cleared.

A number of schools in the surrounding area were also closed due to the incident.