A HAMPSHIRE motorway was closed for more than four hours following a crash involving multiple vehicles.

Hampshire police initially shut the M3 between junctions 7 junction 5 northbound, near Basingstoke after the collision - which had been caused by a diesel spill - at around 7.30pm.

Drivers were advised to avoid the area.

The closure was then extended to junction 4a following further collisions, before officers closed the southbound carriageway due to an accident near the M27.

Firefighters for Basingstoke and Overton stations also attended the scene.

Shortly after 9pm, Hampshire Constabulary announced the motorway closure was being extended back to junction 9 for Winnall after another collision, causing significant delays.

A statement by Highways England last night said: “The road is closed following a substantial oil spillage which has resulted in a number of collision.

“An extensive clean-up operation is required to clear the oil spillage and vehicles involved in the collisions.

“Road users intending on using the M3 eastbound through Hampshire are urged to plan ahead and consider alternative routes, if possible.”

The motorway was reopened shortly after midnight between junctions 8 and 4a, with the closure at junction 9 reopening at around 1.30am.