A MOTORWAY closure is in place after a bus fire and large fuel spillage.

The incident has happened on the M53 Northbound, between junctions nine at Ellesmere Port and ten at Cheshire Oaks.

It is reported the incident has been ongoing since about 5.30pm this evening, Tuesday, November 19.

Traffic diversions are in place.

Traffic monitoring service Inrix said: "M53 Northbound blocked, stationary traffic due to bus fire and spillage from J10 A5117 (Little Stanney) to J9 A5032 Station Road (Ellesmere Port). Congestion to J11 (M56 interchange)."

Meanwhile, National Highways posted to X: "The M53 in Cheshire is CLOSED northbound between J10 (#CheshireOaks) and J9 (#EllesmerePort) due to a bus fire.

"Emergency services are in attendance."

In a statement on its website, National Highways North West said: "The M53 is closed northbound between J10 (Cheshire Oaks) and J9 (Ellesmere Port) due to a bus fire.

"Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are in attendance.

"National Highways Traffic Officers will also be attending to assist with traffic management."

National Highways North West published the following diversion route

Diverted traffic is advised to follow the hollow triangle diversion symbol:

Exit the M53 northbound at J10

At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A5117 westbound

At the A540 roundabout, take the third exit onto the A540 northbound

At the A550 Two Mills junction, turn right onto the A550 northbound

At the A41 junction, turn left onto the A41 northbound and then continue onward to re-join the M53 at J5