A lorry has caught fire on the M1 this afternoon with National Highways warning that the closures could last for some time.

The M1 has been shut southbound between junction 8/7 (for the A414) and 6A (for the M25) and could be closed for a "number of hours".

National Highways has just issued this statement following the incident as firefighters battle the blaze on the southbound carriageway near St Albans.

Drivers have also been asked by police as well as the fire service to avoid the area with closures expected to lead to major delays of possibly an hour late.

At 4.15 pm, National Highways updated drivers that: "The #M1 southbound remains closed from J8 - J6A following the earlier vehicle fire. There are delays of 60 mins above normal journey times.

"At this stage it is not known when the road will reopen due to a oil spillage also affecting all lanes."

M1 road closures and diversions you can take following lorry fire

The statement from National Highways said: "The M1 southbound, between J8 - J6A is closed near Hemel Hempstead following a HGV fire. This has caused an oil spillage affecting all lanes. 

"Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue service are at the location along with National Highways traffic officers who are assisting with traffic management. 

"The carriageway is expected to remain closed for a number of hours to deal with the HGV fire, treatment of the oil spillage and recovery."

READ MORE: Lorry fire shuts motorway as drivers told to stay away from area - live updates

Traffic news and diversions on M1 southbound after lorry fire

Watford Observer: The lorry fire on the M1 this afternoon. Image: Twitter/@DnB_n_WatfordFCThe lorry fire on the M1 this afternoon. Image: Twitter/@DnB_n_WatfordFC

If you are travelling southbound on the M1, National Highways advises you to follow the Hollow Circle diversion symbol on road signs:

You should exit the M1 southbound at Junction 7, then continue on the A414 until the "Park Street" roundabout with A405.

At the roundabout take the 4th exit onto the A405 "North Orbital Road".

At the next roundabout take the 1st exit continuing on the A405 "North Orbital Road".

At the Chiswell Green" roundabout take the 1st exit continuing on the A405.

Continue along the A405 until the M1 Junction 6.

You can rejoin the M1 at Junction 6 southbound. 

M25 traffic diversion

National Highways has also said to exit the M1 southbound at Junction 7, and continue on the A414 until the "Park Street" roundabout with A405.

At the roundabout, drivers can take the 4th exit onto the A405 "North Orbital Road".

At the next roundabout, you should take the 1st exit continuing on the A405 "North Orbital Road".

At the M25 J21a/A405 roundabout take the 1st exit for M25 clockwise J21A or the 3rd exit for the M25 Anti-clockwise J21A.

You can keep up to date on the road conditions and closures, via our live blog, the National Highways England Twitter feed and website.