DRIVERS are being urged to slow down after reports of a person chasing a dog on the motorway.

Highways England confirmed they had received reports of a person chasing their dog along the hard shoulder of the M27 this afternoon.

The incident was first reported at 12.50pm this afternoon between junctions seven and eight of the eastbound carriageway with further sightings after 1.30pm.

Traffic officers went to the scene but could not find either the person or the dog, they have now returned to the scene to take another look.

There are currently no lane closures but drivers are being urged to reduce their speed.

A spokesman from Highways England said: “We received reports of an owner chasing their dog along the hard shoulder. We sent our traffic officers to have a look but they couldn’t find anyone. There have since been reports the dog may have reappeared.

“Our traffic officers work around the clock to keep traffic moving by clearing up incidents quickly and safety as well as helping motorists who break down.

“We work with our partners to ensure any animals reported as being on our roads are safely taken away as soon as it is safe to do so and reunited with their owners where possible.”