The A42 northbound has been closed this morning (Tuesday) because of a lorry fire.

Highways East Midlands report that the stretch between the A511 at Flagstaff Island in Ashby and the A453 at East Midlands Airport is shut.

Fire services were tackling the HGV blaze and were still on the scene at around 8am.

Highways East Midlands report delays of at least 20 minutes in the area.

Diversions are currently in place and Leicestershire Police posted on social media, saying: "The road is going to remain closed for some time.

"Please find an alternative route and avoid the area."

Highways England say the incident will affect anyone using the route to get to East Midlands Airport.

The following diversion details have been issued:

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Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol visible on local road signs. 

• Exit the A42 northbound Junction 13 at Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
• At the Interchange take the fourth exit east onto the A512.
• Continue westbound along the A512 for approximately 13km passing through the Loughborough Road Roundabout at Coleorton and Ashby Road West/ Charnwood Road, A512/B591 Ashby Road East/Ingleberry Road/Leicester Road Junctions in Shepshed to the M1 Junction 23.
• At the Interchange take the first exit(left) onto the M1 northbound.
• Continue northbound on the M1 for approximately 7.0 km to M1 J23a, and then take the free flow slip road lane onto the A42 to the A42/A453 Finger Farm Roundabout.
• At the roundabout take the third exit onto the A453 southbound.

If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.