EMERGENCY services were forced to close the M27 after a pile up on both sides of the carriageway.

Both the eastbound and westbound carriageways were shut after around seven vehicles were involved in the accident.

The incident happened around 12.45am this morning, shortly after firefighters returned to duty following their latest walkout in an ongoing row over pensions.

It is thought the bad weather was to blame for several cars crashing at the same time on both sides of the motorway between junctions five to Swaything and seven to Hedge End.

Despite the number of cars involved emergency services reported that only one casualty had to be treated for an injury - thought to be a dislocated shoulder.

The road was reopened by 1.30am.