AN overturned car on the northbound M3 caused two and a half mile tail backs this afternoon.

Police said a Vauxhall Vectra travelling along the fast lane collided with the central reservation just after 2pm.

It forced the closure of two lanes of traffic.

The accident happened between junction 12 at Eastleigh and junction 11 for Winchester South.

The Vauxhall was recovered to the hard shoulder, police said. There were no reports of injuries but the central barrier was damaged.

All lanes have now been re-opened.