MOTORISTS were caught up in huge tailbacks on a Hampshire motorway this afternoon after a van crashed through the central reservation.

The white Transit was believed to have been travelling westbound along the M27 when it smashed through the crash barrier and ended up on its side.

The accident happened near junction five, the exit for Southampton International Airport, at about 4.30pm today.

It caused major disruption and long tailbacks for motorists going home during the evening rush hour. Westbound traffic queued back as far as Rownhams services.

Both sides of the motorway were closed by emergency services while a clear-up operation took place.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police confirmed that the westbound carriageway re-opened shortly after 5pm.