A serious crash shut the motorway this morning, leaving a man in hospital with life threatening injuries.

The accident happened between a car and a van at junction three of the M27, near between Nursling and Rownhams.

As a result of the crash the westbound carriageway of the road was shut until 7.45am.

The closure caused major traffic delays of up to two hours and a diversion has been put in place.

Traffic is tailing back on the M27 as far as Hedge End.

The incident is also causing serious delays on the M3 south bound as it approaches the M27.

Police are urging motorists to avoid the area.

The accident happened between a Nissa Micra and a Mercedes Sprinter Van at about 4am.

The driver of the Nissan, a man in his thirties, has been taken to Southampton General Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

No-one else was hurt.

Police are urging anyone who saw what happened to all 101 quoting Operation Pointer.

Traffic heading west is being taken off the motorway at junction three before being diverted round the roundabout and back on down the on slip road.

Emergency services were called to the crash at about 4am and a major investigation has been launched.