A Hampshire motorway has been closed this morning after a serious crash.

Emergency services have closed the M3 after the accident involving the lorry in the early hours of this morning.

The accident happened when a lorry suffered a serious break down between junctions 10 and 9.

According to the Highways Agency the drive shaft had fallen from the vehicle and ruptured its fuel tank.

As a result 600 litres of diesel spilled across the carriageway.

The agency added that as a result another vehicle collided with the the drive shaft.

The road has now closed for the clear up operation which should take "several hours".

The organisation says that diversions are in place and that drivers should follow the black diamond symbol.

Motorists should leave the M3 at junction 10 and take the third exit from the roundabout on to the A31.

At the next roundabout they should take the second exit to continue north to the roundabout with the A272.

Motorists should take the first exit and continue north to the M3 at junction nine to rejoin the motorway.

The Highways Agency said they had expected to reopen the motorway at 1pm today, however work is still ongoing and the road is still closed.

The road will remain closed until later this evening.