A MAN has been arrested after a lorry overturned and closed a Hampshire road  for 12 hours.

The 45-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after the accident on the A34 north of Winchester.

It delayed thousands of motorists and the driver had to be cut free by fire crews and airlifted to North Hampshire Hospital by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Police are appealing for witnesses after part of the A34 was shut from 7am until 7pm yesterday, delaying thousands of motorists.

The incident took place just before the junction with the A303, Sutton Scotney, a police spokesman said.

It closed the road between 7am and 7pm yesterday (Oct 1).

The 45-year-old man has been bailed until December 2.

Traffic was diverted on to the A33 and A272 while the lorry and its contents (stationary) were recovered.

Motorists in Kings Worthy, Abbots Worthy, St Cross, Otterbourne Road and Badger Farm Road all faced congestion.

Three fire engines attended - one from Winchester, another Whitchurch, and the third Redbridge, which has special cutting equipment, and two ambulances.

A silver Skoda Octavia was found in a ditch near the scene and recovered.

Its driver was taken by road to North Hampshire Hospital.

Both drivers' injuries were not thought to be life threatening.