Firefighters are battling a billowing coach inferno on the M6, as Manchester City fans were warned to avoid the road en route to the Carabao Cup final, where they face Arsenal. Travellers passing the dramatic scene posted messages on social media advising fellow fans to avoid any route that takes the M6 toll at Birmingham.

Footage of a double-decker Ridley’s coach ablaze at the side of the motorway spread on social media, with a number of people spotted on a nearby roadside hill watching on. The road was eventually closed across all lanes.

England Highways has said the M6 toll southbound between junctions T3 and T2 faces delays due to a vehicle fire. In a post on X, National Highways for West Midlands has confirmed that emergency services are at the scene.

“Traffic has been STOPPED on the #M6Toll southbound between T3 and T2 due to a coach fire. Emergency services are in attendance. Thanks for your patience if you’re held up,” it said.

Traffic is now claimed to be at a ‘standstill’ as fans face multiple travel issues on their way to Wembley. Normal traffic conditions are expected to resume between 1.30pm and 1.45pm, according to National Highways.

It is not the only travel issue that fans heading to the Carabao Cup final could face as they travel south. A crash on the M1 has also caused gridlocked traffic after a ‘pile up’ 1.9 miles from the Wembley turn-off.

That issue is posing a problem for fans wanting to head to the ground, with some City fans prevented from turning off Junction 1 and joining the A406 North Circular to the stadium.