A LORRY driver has been arrested after a man died in a crash on the A34 yesterday (Tuesday).

Police were called at 9.19am to reports of a collision on the southbound carriageway at Bullington Cross.

The incident involved a HGV lorry, a Peugeot van and a Toyota Auris.

The driver of the Toyota, a 43-year-old man from Reading, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The driver of the van, a 49-year-old from Reading, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital. He is in a critical but stable condition.

A 46-year-old woman from Huddersfield, who was the front seat passenger in the lorry suffered serious injuries and was take to Southampton General Hospital.

The driver of the lorry, a 40-year-old man from Huddersfield, suffered minor injuries.

The collision closed the southbound carriageway until 12.30am today due to extensive damage caused to the crash barriers, which needed to be repaired.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said investigations into the exact circumstances of the collision are ongoing.

Following the crash, the driver of the lorry, a 40-year-old man from Huddersfield, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving without due care/consideration while unfit through drugs.

He has also been arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of specified controlled drug above the specified limit and driving whilst unfit through drink.

He has been released from custody but remains under investigation.

The police spokesman added: "There would have been a lot of people travelling on the A34 at this time of the morning, and officers want to speak to anyone who was on this section of the road in the lead up to the collision.

"Did you see any of the vehicles mentioned immediately prior to the incident? Did you see what happened?"

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44180248886, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.