ONE lane of the A1(M) southbound was reopened between Chester-le-Street and Carrville junctions shortly before 4.30pm today, following an earlier full closure due to a lorry fire.

Southbound traffic was being diverted off the A1(M) at Chester-le-Street interchange in the initial aftermath of the incident, involving a lorry which caught fire just north of the Carrville turn-off, near Durham.

Durham Police warned that although one lane was now in operation tailbacks were likely for southbound traffic during the rush hour, as efforts continue to recover the stricken lorry.