SMOKE is pouring from a red car which is on fire on the M5 motorway near Worcester.

The car is on fire on the southbound carriageway between junction five (Droitwich) and junction 6 (Worcester).

Worried drivers and passengers called 999 to report the blaze.

Firefighters from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene with at least two fire engines tackling the blaze.

An eyewitness said: "The car was half on fire, and the back half has just completely gone."

Fire crews received a total of 11 calls about the incident and described the car as "well alight".

The speed limit has been reduced to 40mph on the section of the motorway which has been affected.

One lane was closed to traffic though there are no significant traffic according to reports.

Worcester and Droitwich firefighters tackled the fire using two breathing apparatus units and one hose reel jet.

There were no casualties reported.

Highways Agency is currently arranging vehicle recovery.

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service was called out at 2.34pm today to a small vehicle on fire on the M5.

“Crews from Droitwich and Worcester Fire Stations attended the southbound carriageway between junctions 5 and 6.

“We received 11 calls about the incident.

“The crews found one small car well alight and tackled the fire using two breathing apparatus units and one hose reel jet.

“One lane was closed to traffic with the highways agency in attendance.

“There were no casualties reported.

“The fire was extinguished by 3.06pm with damping down in progress, and vehicle recovery was being arranged by the highways agency.”