POLICE watchdogs are deciding whether to launch an investigation after a driver was killed on a Hampshire motorway after stopping to speak to officers.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is seeking more information about a fatal crash that occurred on the M3 near Eastleigh in the early hours of Sunday.

It happened after a BMW and a following police car stopped on the hard shoulder between junctions 12 and 13.

Police say the driver of the BMW got out of the car and was hit by at least one other vehicle after stepping into the carriageway.

The crash closed the M3 northbound between junctions 12 and 13 for almost seven hours and the southbound carriageway for five.

Hampshire police notified the IPCC on Sunday and has now been asked to submit an official report.

Last night police refused to say if the driver, who has not been named, was being chased or followed by officers when he pulled over.

An IPCC spokesman told the Daily Echo: “Any death or serious injury following contact with police has to be referred to us by law.

“Hampshire police informed us about the incident on the M3 and we have requested a paper referral. “Once that letter arrives we will make an assessment and either investigate the incident ourselves, using our own staff, or send it back to them for a local investigation.”

The spokesman said a decision was likely to be made by the end of the week.

A police spokesman added: “Just before 1am a blue BMW and a following police car came to a stop on the hard shoulder of the southbound carriageway.

“The driver of the BMW, the sole occupant of the vehicle, got out of the car and entered the carriageway, where he was struck by at least one vehicle.

“South Central Ambulance Service attended but the man died en route to hospital.”

Last night the ambulance service declined to release any information about the incident, saying all inquiries were being referred to Hampshire police.

Funded by the Home Office, the IPCC is an independent organisation that investigates incidents involving the police by interviewing officers, taking witness statements and analysing any CCTV footage.

Investigators submit a report outlining their conclusions and stating whether anyone was guilty of misconduct or poor performance.

An IPCC spokesman said: “We consider whether action could be taken to help prevent a similar matter happening again and will say if we think lessons could be learned by the police.”

Anyone who saw the accident should call police on 101, quoting Operation Building or crime reference number 44170350566.