A POLICE officer has died after his patrol car crashed and reportedly burst into flames while he was responding to an blue-light call today.
Emergency services declared a "major incident" as the horror 2pm smash closed the M6 in both directions near Carlisle, Cumbria.
Cumbria Constabulary said the 47-year-old officer worked for the force's mobile support group.
He was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision on the M6.
The driver the only occupant of the vehicle, a force spokesman said, adding that specialist officers are supporting his family at this time.
Reports online suggest the policeman had a young family and his wife is also a serving officer in Cumbria Police.
Witnesses claimed the car veered off the road and went down a ditch running parallel to the southbound carriageway.
A heroic passerby reportedly jumped in to try to save him and was joined by emergency services shortly after.
No other vehicles were involved.
A source near the scene told LBC News they had seen the patrol car on fire.
Tributes have been pouring into the force's social media channels expressing grief and condolences for the family and the officer's colleagues at Cumbria Constabulary.
The northbound lanes reopened around 9.30pm and the southbound carriageway reopened half an hour later at 10pm as the investigation continues, Highways England said.
Cumbria Police said earlier: "Police are currently dealing with a one-vehicle road traffic collision on the M6 Southbound between junction 44 and 43.
"The collision occurred today at approximately 2pm and involved one police vehicle.
"The M6 is closed in both directions at junction 44 and 43.
"The road is likely to be closed for some time while collision inquiries are ongoing, please seek alternative routes."
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