TWO motorists were taken to hospital tonight after a car smash on a Hampshire motorway.

A grey Ford Focus and a black Honda Accord were in collision on the M27 westbound carriageway at junction eight near Hamble-Le-Rice at 5.22pm.

One driver had to be cut free by firefighters, while the other was helped to safety by ambulance crews.

Both were taken to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance for what are thought to be minor injuries.

One of the patients - a 41-year-old man - was complaining of back pain, while a third person in one of the cars was uninjured.

Police sealed off lanes two and three for around an hour while 19 firefighters from Hightown, Fareham and Botley fire staions used cutting equipment to free the casualty.

The road has now fully reopened.