THERE were long delays following a four car crash on a major Hampshire road today.

The A31 was closed westbound, following the incident near Ringwood, but has now reopened.

The crash happened on Poulner Hill underneath the Winston Way flyover. There were two fire engines, one ambulance and three police cars at the scene.

Fire crews cut the roof off one vehicle and one casualty, thought to be a passenger, was transferred to ambulance by stretcher.

Traffic queued in both directions, with westbound traffic backing up eight-miles to the M27. People were out of their cars and walking along the carriageway.

Despite the road reopening, motorists are advised to avoid the area.

During the closure, one lane was temporarily reopened to allow fire crews access to the vehicles, a green Citroen Saxo, a silver Kia Sportage and a black Vauxhall Safira and a Toyota Prius.

Drivers' misery was further added to due to a 30 minute delay between Cadnam and the A35 for anyone heading towards Lyndhurst.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said she understood that the crash occurred just before 11.30am.

She added that one person was trapped in the wreckage and confirmed that the westbound carriageway had been closed by police.

Two appliances from Ringwood fire station were sent to the scene.