FOOTBALL fans travelling down to the FA Cup semi-final tomorrow are being advised to avoid the M1 due to its partial closure after a major fire this morning.

Tomorrow's match between Manchester City and Manchester United is due to bring thousands of fans to the championship game at Wembley Stadium.

The M1 is currently closed between junctions 1 and 4 in both directions following a fire at a scrapyard in Mill Hill in the early hours of this morning.

The Highways Agency has said it will take “several hours” to clear the road and has advised drivers to avoid the area.

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

There have been no reports of any injuries.

A spokeswoman for the agency said: “Intended users of the M1 are advised to consider alternative routes or means of travel to their destinations.

“A signed diversion route is also in place, using black diamond signs northbound and black circle signs southbound but drivers heading into and out of London should consider alternative routes and expect significant delays in this area.”