A MAN has been flown by air ambulance to hospital this afternoon after a three-car crash. on the A31 near Ringwood.

The road has been shut eastbound while police deal with the scene, causing severe congestion at the busy Sunday afternoon rush hour.

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said that the victim, who is in his 20s, had sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Traffic is being diverted via the A338 and the road is set to remain shut into the evening while police examine the scene.

The crash happened in the Picket Post area at around 3.30pm. One of the cars overturned.

The crash involved a Mini, an Austin, and a Land Rover, said a police spokesman.

The road will be fully re-opened once our investigation has been completed later this evening.

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