There were hour-long delays on the A34 as far back as Abingdon after a lorry fire closed a lane northbound near the Hinksey Hill interchange today.

Police were called to reports of the vehicle on fire at 12.04pm while fire crews tackled the blaze.

Pumps from Rewley Road and Slade Park fire station together with Abingdon fire station were called to the incident, supported by a water carrier from Wheatley fire station.

On arrival fire crews were faced with a large fire billowing thick black smoke involving the tractor unit and half of its load.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were deployed and used a number of high pressure jets to bring the fire under control and stop it spreading to the adjacent grass verge and fencing.

Incident Commander, Watch Manager Paul Harding said: “On arrival there was a lot of smoke and the Lorry was fully involved in fire. 

"Our first priority was to stop the fire spreading further to the rest of the load.

"Our crews worked quickly in dangerous conditions to contain the fire and then extinguish it completely.

"Fortunately, a member of the public spotted the fire and called the Fire and Rescue Service promptly, so we were able to make a swift attendance and contain the fire to the lorry stopping it from spreading further.

"Working together with our partners from Thames Valley Police we ensured the road was reopened as soon as it was safe to do so, to keep Oxfordshire moving.”

All lanes have now re-opened but lengthy delays of up to 60 minutes were reported at about 7pm in the area.

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed they were not required at the scene.