A DRIVER has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop following the death of a motorcyclist on one of Hampshire’s busiest motorways.

This comes after a man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by truck on the westbound M27 near junction 5 at about 6.50am.

The M27 was closed westbound between junctions seven and five and remained so until 2.40pm allow for a crash investigation.

This means the road was closed for more than seven hours.

Inspector Steve Wakeford from the Roads Policing unit said: “A driver of a waste truck has now contacted us following the death of the motorcyclist.

“I would to highlight that the truck he was driving was not a Biffa truck. The information we received initially that the motorcycle was in collision with a Biffa truck was not conclusive.

“It is important to stress that we keeping an open mind about the collision until we have collated all the evidence and ruled out the possibility of any other vehicle being involved.

“That’s why it’s absolutely vital that anyone who witnessed the collision this morning or has any information that can help to get in touch.

“We are working very hard to re-open the motorway and hope to have all lanes running by half past one.

“We are investigating an extremely serious incident which involves a number of police teams and agencies.

“For the sake of a proper investigation, we have to make sure we’ve covered every base and fulfilled our duty to the motorcyclist and his family.

“We have to conduct an investigation which satisfies all of their questions and the coroner’s questions.

“Closing a motorway is not something we take lightly. We are fully aware of the impact to the public and local businesses and we try to update the community regularly as to when it will be re-opened.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been affected for their patience and understanding.” Police believe it is possible the driver did not realise there had been a collision.

Motorists within the closure points have found themselves marooned while emergency services tended to the casualties and removed the damaged vehicles and wreckage.

Traffic is being diverted off the road at J7 with drivers asked to follow the hollow black squares onto the A334, A27 and A335 before rejoining the M27 at J5.

Daily Echo reporter Rebecca Pearson, who has been stuck in traffic this morning in her commute to work, said: "This is the worst delay I have seen over the past year I have been driving on this road.

"But even though I have been delayed I feel for the family of the dead biker and I understand the road needs to be closed so the police can try to work out what happened."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary quoting Operation Santawood on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.