A SERIOUS accident is causing 30-minute delays on the M27 westbound between Southampton and Portsmouth.

The collision occurred between junction 9 at Park Gate and junction 8 at Bursledon and initially blocked all three lanes.

An air ambulance has been called to the scene.

Hants Fire Control said crews from three fire stations - Fareham, Cosham and Hightown were calledto the scene. Three people - a woman and two men - were freed from the wreckage and placed in the cxare og South Central Ambulance Service.

The traffic information service Romanse says lane 1 has been cleared but lane 2 and 3 remain blocked.

Motorists heading towards the area from junction 10 at Fareham are facing half-hour delays.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said the emergency services had been called to a two-vehicle collision.

They added: "Both carriageways were closed to allow the air ambulance to land.

"A male was taken to hospital by road ambulance. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

"The closure is causing some traffic disruption at this time."