THE M3 has reopened following a serious crash in the early hours.

All three lanes of the southbound carriageway of the M3 were shut between Junction 6 (Basingstoke/A339) and 7 (Dummer/A30) following the collision, which occurred just before 2am today.

The carriageway reopened shortly after 7am and traffic is said to be "coping well".

It is not known how many vehicles were involved in the incident or whether anyone was seriously hurt.

The Gazette has contacted Hampshire Constabulary for further information.

Earlier the traffic and travel news service Inrix said: "M3 southbound closed due to recovery work, accident, a car involved and accident investigation work from J6 (Basingstoke) to J7 A30 Winchester Road (Basingstoke South / Dummer)."

National Highways tweeted: "Please be aware the M3 is currently closed between J6 and J7 near Basingstoke due to a collision.

"National Highways traffic officers are assisting police with traffic management. Please expect delays in the area and approach with caution."

In separate tweet posted at 4am National Highways said the carrisageway was likely to be closed "for a number of hours" while police investigated the incident.

It added: "Please allow extra time for your journeys."

Drivers were diverted on to the A30, rejoining the motorway at junction 7.