M4 closed: Lorry on fire forces major motorway to shut in both directions with huge delays for drivers

Huge plumes of smoke have since been billowing across both carriage ways of the busy road.

Traffic was brought to a standstill as emergency services rushed to the incident.

National Highways said in a statement: "The M4 in Wiltshire is closed in both directions between J17 (Chippenham) and J18 (for Bath) due to an HGV fire.

"Wiltshire police and fire service are in attendance."

Drivers have been urged to seek alternative routes with the incident having caused significant delays for both eastbound and westbound travellers.

"If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time," the public body warned.

"Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

Holdups stand at over an hour with drivers stuck in the congestion having switched off their vehicles and even stepping out to stretch their legs.

The accident coincides with the first day of the school summer holidays, with many families expected to be travelling on the roads.

Approximately 13 million car journeys are made between the Friday and Monday of the break up of schools in July, according to industry research.