THERE are reports of heavy traffic through Stanmore this morning with a stretch of the M1 and a major rail route being closed due to a fire at a scrap yard in Mill Hill.

There is queueing traffic eastbound on the A410 Spur Road after junctions 1 to 4 on the M1 were shut following the blaze.

The fire broke out in a yard at Ellesmere Avenue close to residential properties just after 4am, sending plumes of thick dark smoke across the motorway.

Firefighters are now trying to cool down gas cylinders caught up in the flames which are in danger of exploding, an operation which could take 24 hours.

Train services have now been resumed, but other roads including the A1 and M41 are congested because of the diverted traffic from the M1.

It is thought no-one has been injured.