A woman in her 70s  died after her car crashed with a bin lorry on the outskirts of Romsey yesterday.

Emergency services, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, headed to the scene in Yokesford Hill.

 Firefighters cut the driver free from her blue Vauxhall car but she died at the roadside.

The collision, which happened between Bunny Lane and Jinny Lane, closed the road for more than five hours as officers launched their investigations into the crash.

Sixteen firefighters from Romsey, Redbridge and Eastleigh were called to the scene, along with one ambulance, the air ambulance and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

No one else was injured.

The collision caused major delays.

Yokesford Hill was being used as a diversion route for the A3057, after Greatbridge Road and Budds Lane were both closed due to rising water levels.

Police were unable to put in place any diversion routes due to the floods in the area.

Road closures were put in place at the junctions of Bunny Lane/Jinny Lane/ A3057, and Belbins/ Cupernham Lane.

Police are  urging any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Sergeant Glen Barham said: “I’m very keen to hear from anyone who may have seen either one of these vehicles travelling beforehand, or who may have witnessed the collision.

“I’m aware that this road was part of a diversion route and that there was no suitable alternative for traffic to pass through due to flooding. I am very grateful for people’s patience and understanding while we were on scene investigating this tragic incident.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sgt Barham at Totton on 101, quoting Operation Ashgill.