PART the motorway network was sealed off after a late night smash involving multiple vehicles – including a lorry.

The truck was in collision with four cars on the M3 southbound carriageway between junction 11 for Winchester and 12 at Eastleigh North at 10.24pm.

The south bound carriageway was sealed off after one of the vehicles overturned in the crash and at least two people are believed to be hurt.

All three emergency services worked at the scene to help at least two casualties from two separate vehicles.

The carriageway was closed until the early hours of this morning while the wreckage is cleared.

Firefighters from Eastleigh, Winchester and Redbridge fire stations used cutting gear to free two people from the wreckage before they were taken to ambulances.

It is not known the extent of their injuries or whether they needed hospital treatment.

The crash caused major delays for motorists.

Robert Conway wrote on Twitter: "Sat on M3 Southbound just north of Eastleigh. Nothing moving. 4 Ambulances and 3 fire engines so far. Not looking good."

Harry Cardno wrote: "Just passing scene of crash, looks nasty two fire engines alongside us now presumably to cut the vehicles to free casualties."

Drivers were urged to leave the M3 southbound at junction 11 and follow a diversion via the solid triangle symbol via the B3335 Cox's Hill, Hockley Link and the A3090 and B3043 before rejoining the M3 at junction 12.