A MAN has died and a driver has been arrested after a crash involving a minibus and a lorry on the A34 this morning.

The collision happened at 4.40am on the southbound carriageway just south of Sutton Scotney services.

Police say that five people were travelling in the white Ford Transit minibus at the  time of the crash and a 36-year-old man, who was a passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 19-year-old man from Durham has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody.

Two 25-year-old men and a 24-year-old man, all from North Yorkshire, were injured.

Two were taken to North Hampshire Hospital and the other was taken to Southampton General hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the lorry, a 63-year-old man from Warwickshire, was uninjured.

Investigations into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing and the road remained closed at 1.45pm today.

Segeant Dick Thorpe, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Sadly a man has lost his life this morning and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

“We know that the road closure caused disruption for a lot of people but I hope that everyone will understand that we have a job to do to ensure the circumstances of this collision are thoroughly investigated.

“If you saw the collision or saw either vehicle prior to the incident then please call us as any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 441680075034, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.