A LORRY has been engulfed by fire on North Road, Ellesmere Port.

Fire crew attended the incident at 12.20pm today (October, 26).

Videos and pictures have been circulating social media of the van in flames.

Witnesses report that the driver of the van was not in the vehicle when it caught fire.

One resident said: "We saw the smoke then heard two bangs, one was considerably loud and caused everyone in my offices to run out and look."

Another resident added: "The lorry caught fire, the road has been shut off and emergency services responded very quickly. The driver is safe."

A spokesperon for Cheshire Fire and Rescue said: "Crews attended a lorry that was on fire where large plumes of smoke could be seen over the M56.  

"Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reel jets to put out the blaze.

"Crews have dampened down the area. The fire is believed to have started accidentally.

"I can confirm that the lorry was empty and the cause is believed to have been an accidental ignition fire."

Cheshire Police said: "Officers were called by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service just before 12.30pm on Wednesday October, 26 to a business park on North Road, Ellesmere Port following reports of a lorry on fire.

"Police assisted in road closures surrounding the site while firefighters extinguished the flames."