The M27 could remain closed overnight after a serious van fire on the motorway.

Thousands of motorists are caught in the severe tailbacks, which stretch for five miles and are causing at least an hour delay for drivers.

Fire crews from St Mary's, Eastleigh and Romsey were called to the blaze on the hard shoulder of the M27 between junctions four and five this afternoon.

Hampshire Police say the motorway could be shut overnight.

Around 150 litres of hydraulic oil and diesel have been spilt across the carriageway as a result of the fire.

Drivers planning journeys in the area are advised to check conditions before setting out and leave plenty of extra time, especially if heading for St Marys.

A clean-up is ongoing however the road will need re-surfacing for safety reasons, said a spokesperson for Highways England.

The closure will affect thousands of football fans travelling to St Mary's for tonight's England v Kosovo Euro qualifier.

Crews were called at 11.49am today to the fire.