A vehicle fire on the A55 earlier today (Tuesday, August 15) is thought to have been caused by a ‘mechanical fault’ according to the fire service.

The fire occurred at around 10.30am and led to the closure of the A55 near Pentre Halkyn eastbound leading to congestion in the area.

A spokesperson for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 10.31 to a car fire on the A55.

"Crews used one hose reel jet and one set of breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire, thought to be caused by a mechanical fault."

Read more: RECAP: Road reopens following vehicle fire on A55 near Pentre Halkyn

North Wales Police were also at the scene, and a spokesperson said: "We were called at 10.35am to report a vehicle fire on the A55 Eastbound at Pentre Halkyn, Holywell.

"The road was closed whilst emergency services dealt with the incident."

The road was initially reopened around 12.25pm according to INRIX, however, it was later closed again to clear the debris.

Lane 2 was reopened around 12.40pm, with Lane 1 opening just over an hour later.

During the incident, there remained heavy congestion, with motorists being asked to avoid the area if possible.

A warning was also posted on social media by Traffic Wales about motorists travelling the wrong way down slip roads. They were asked to not do so unless instructed otherwise.