POLICE closed the M3 today after a crash involving three lorries and a car.

The collision took place between junction 10 for Winchester at Bar End and 9 for the A34 northbound at Winnall at around 10.30am.

Officers closed the motorway in both directions between junctions 10 and 11, but the southbound carriageway reopened at around 11.45am. It was closed to allow the air ambulance to land.

One lane of the northbound carriageway was opened shortly before 2pm, but the inside and middle lanes are still closed while a fuel spill is delt with. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area.

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance service confirmed one person with serious injuries had been taken to Southampton General Hospital by road.

The spokesman said: "We were called at 10.27 by Hampshire Police, advising us of a serious collision on the M3 northbound between junctions 10 and 9 involving three HGVs and a car.

"We sent two ambulances, two paramedic team leaders in rapid response vehicles, our Hazardous Area Response Team and the air ambulance to the scene.

"We have taken one patient with serious injuries to Southampton General Hospital by road, with the air ambulance crew travelling with the patient in the ambulance; 1 patient with minor injuries to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester; a third patient with minor injuries was treated at the scene."

Delays of around nearly two hours are currently stretching back towards junction 13 for Eastleigh northbound.

Traffic in and out of Winchester is also being affected by delays: 40-minute delays northbound on Otterbourne Road.

30-minute delays inbound on St Cross Road/Southagte Street 20-minute delays Badger Farm Road between St Cross Road and the Pitt roundabout 40-minute delays on A34 southbound from Three Maids hill to junction 9 M3 The following diversion has been put in place: Exit at junction 10 and take the third exit at the roundabout onto the A31 northbound. At the second roundabout take the first exit onto the A272 northbound to join the M3 and junction 9.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We are currently dealing with a serious collision on the M3 northbound.

"As a result, all three lanes of the northbound carriageway between junctions 9 and 10 will remain closed for the rest of the afternoon.

"If you intend to travel via this route today, we would advise you to avoid the area and to seek an alternative route."