A MAN had to be freed from his van after a rush hour pile-up on a Hampshire motorway last night.

The 45-year-old flatbed  driver was among five motorists in collision on the M27 westbound carriageway between junctions 2 and 3 at 5.50pm.

Crews of 19 firefighters from Redbridge, Totton, Romsey and Cosham fire stations used specialist cutting gear to free him before he was taken to hospital by ambulance with suspected neck and chest injuries.

They removed the back doors and cut through racks and window fitting equipment stored in the back of the vehicle.

At least two occupants of the other vehicles - including a Mini, BMW and a hatchback needed medical attention.

The smash caused long delays for drivers returning home from work.