A MAJOR Hampshire road is closed this afternoon after a cow escaped on to the carriageway.

Delays started to build up at around 1.30pm today amid reports the animal was on the loose on the busy route.

Police closed the A3 (M) in both directions at junction four as attempts were made to lead the cow to safety.

They have since opened the southbound carriageway - but the northbound remains closed with tailbacks stretching towards the A27.