A LANE on the M3 was closed this morning after a car transporter caught on fire. 

The fire broke out just before 7am on Monday on M27 eastbound, with all lanes blocked on the link between junction 4 and M3 junction 14.

One lane was later closed as the fire was dealt with, but it has since reopened.

The driver of the transporter escaped the incident unharmed.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were called just before 7am this morning to a large vehicle fire on the hard shoulder of the M3 near Chilworth. 

"The large car transporter, carrying eight cars, was well alight with excessive smoke emanating, when crews from Redbridge, Totton, Eastleigh, Romsey and St Mary’s arrived on the scene having been called at 6.57am. 

"Police colleagues were in attendance to close lanes, with the M27 and other roads being affected. 

"The driver was safely out of the vehicle and there are no casualties involved."

The fire is now out, according to the service, having been extinguished using hose reels, breathing apparatus and compressed air foam system.