TWO people were killed last night after a horror crash on a Hampshire motorway.

All emergency services were called to the M271 after the crash happened just before 5.30pm last night.

The serious collision involved three lorries and a car and police officers were at the scene for nearly 12 hours.

Along with the two fatalities two more people were taken to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

The incident caused both the southbound and northbound lanes to be closed between the M27 junction three Nursling and the A33 Redbridge Road. The northbound carriageway was reopened at 8.30pm.

A police spokewoman said: "We can confirm that two people, who were inside the car, have died.

"Drivers from two of the lorries suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and were taken to Southampton General Hospital.

"Officers left the scene just before 4.45am this morning and handed it back to the Highways team."

All emergency services attended the scene including an ambulance rapid response unit, an ambulance officer and a hazardous area response team.

Firefighters from Redbridge, St Marys, Totton and as far as Cosham rushed to the scene including two RSB vehicles which are kitted out with specialist equipment to deal with road traffic collisions.

The incident caused tail backs as far as the M27 with traffic being diverted to junction two and police advising motorists to avoid the area.

Drivers have taken to social media to describe the gridlocked scenes.

Lorraine Prescott said: "Well I was stuck on M271 for ages following I hear a really awful crash.

"So impressed with the solitary road traffic cop who cleared all of us fortunately not involved."

Carol 'Cece' Simpson-Grant said: "Stuck on the M271 all those blue lights can't be good."

Johan Tarafdar said: "If you're heading to Southampton on the M27 via M271.. don't even bother, there's been an accident with all lanes blocked."

Hannah Cousens said: "Really nasty crash on the M271 heading to town, 2 lorries crunched together blocking all 3 lanes."

Beth Janaway said: "Massive crash on the M271 and it's completely closed! I didn't move for a hour!"