Police in the New Forest are urging drivers to avoid all unnecessary journeys after a spate of accidents caused by the snow.

The sudden onslaught of winter has left motorists grappling with treacherous conditions on the roads, including minor routes that have not been gritted.

A lorry and a coach collided at Woodgreen, near Fordingbridge, but no-one was injured.

Hythe police tweeted: “Snow now coming down harder. Lots of minor Road Traffic Incidents being reported across the New Forest. Only drive if you have to.”

A 4x4 vehicle travelling along Lyndhurst Road in Burley left the carriageway just before 6.30am and ended up on its roof.

A crew from Burley fire station was called to the scene amid fears that the female motorist was trapped inside the vehicle, but a Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said she managed to free herself.

Another car left the road at Matley Passage, near Lyndhurst, although no-one was hurt in that incident.

A Hampshire police spokesman said three accidents had been reported in the Forest, none of which involved any injuries.