MOTORISTS are facing severe delays on the M3 after two incidents involving lorries.

The M3 southbound was shut throughout the night at junction 12 following a lorry crash at about 10pm.

The vehicle damaged the road and barriers and Highways England says it has been reopened after "extensive" repair work.

The lorry was carrying tonnes of paper at the time of the accident which caused the spillage of 150 litres of fuel across the carriageway.

Police and South Central Ambulance Service's hazardous area response team were called to deal with the incident.

An HGV has also broken down on the northbound carriageway of the same road just before junction nine for the A34.

Hampshire Roads Policing wrote on social media: "Avoid the M3. Please expect delays and be patient.

"This will be a long-term recovery operation ongoing for some hours."

A police statement said: "We were called at 9.36pm this evening to a report of a single-vehicle collision on the southbound carriageway at junction 12.

"The lorry is located between the off slip road and the on slip road for the junction.

"Fortunately there are no serious injuries, but the lorry is on its side and there is damage to the roadside barrier.

"As a result, we have closed the southbound carriageway of the M3 between the off slip road and the on slip road at junction 12.

"There is a diversion in place at the junction. The northbound carriageway is not affected.

"We are working with our partners to clear the lorry and its load from the road as soon and as safely as we can.

"However, the road closure is likely to remain in place for some time."

The road is still closed this morning while Highways England carry out repairs to barriers.

Diversions are in place.

It is not known if anyone was injured in the crash.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested for failure to provide a breath test.