A lorry caught fire in Hitchin this morning, causing the area to be cordoned off.

The incident occurred today (Thursday, July 21) at around 815am after the trailer of a HGV carrying scrap metal, caught fire.

Two teams from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, one from Letchworth and one from Baldock.

Hose reels were used to bring the fire under control, before the trailer was moved to a recycling centre to remove the scrap metal.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 815am this morning to reports of a lorry fire on Grove Road, Hitchin," with the blaze fully extinguished.

Many local residents are concerned with the large number of lorries thundering through the area, with Hitchin Nub News previously reporting that random police checks on Grove Road found scrap metal lorry drivers operating without the correct trading licences.

Hitchin MP Bim Afolami has previously discussed the matter with the authorities, telling Nub News: "Residents have a right to feel safe on our residential roads in Hitchin.

"Grove Road is a site where residents have expressed to me that there is a particular problem with the speed, volume and size of HGV traffic."

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However, eyewitness Emma Dimond who was at the scene this morning, said: "Hey Bim Afolami another lorry fire - action needed on the heavy traffic through Hitchin urgently."