POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a car ended up on its roof following an incident on a Hampshire motorway.

A 20-year-old Southampton woman had to be taken to hospital with neck and back injuries as a result of the incident, which happened at junction five on the eastbound M27.

A small car, - possibly a Ford Ka - joined the carriageway there into the path of a black Mercedes estate car.

This caused the 26-year-old woman from Curdridge who was driving the Mercedes, to brake sharply.

In an attempt to avoid a collision, a 20-year-old Southampton woman driving a black Ford Fiesta swerved to avoid a colliding with the Mercedes.

As a result, the Fiesta plunged down a steep 40-foot embankment at the side of the motorway before landing on its roof.

The driver received neck and back injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital.

The driver of the car joining the motorway did not stop.

PC David Hazlett, of Totton Roads Policing Unit, said: “Given the circumstances of this incident, the Fiesta driver was very lucky indeed not to have been more seriously injured.

“Nevertheless, we need to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, particularly if they can identify the missing vehicle.

“If the driver of that vehicle recognises the time, location and circumstances, we appeal to that person to contact the police.”

The incident happened around 9.50pm Friday, April 3.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Totton Roads Policing Unit on 0845 045 45 45 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.