THE smouldering mess of a car were all that was left on the M40 after it caught alight.

Two people were quick to escape the vehicle after it went up in flames yesterday whilst driving on the motorway.

Shortly after the pair were able to pull over and get out fire fighters tackled the blaze which happened yesterday between junctions 9 for Bicester and 10 for Cherwell Valley Services.

The silver Ford had little of its front left surround the smouldering engine as crews dealt with it at the side of the road.

It happened about 10am and forced Thames Valley Police to close one lane alongside the hard shoulder.