EMERGENCY services were called to an overturned lorry on a major road in Hampshire in the early hours.

The A34 has been shut in both directions between Bullington Cross and Junction 9 for the M3, and is expected to remain closed for most of the day (Wednesday, September 20) while emergency services recover the artic lorry and resurface the road.

The driver was successfully removed from the HGV and taken to hospital with a minor arm injury after the lorry he was driving tipped on its side, blocking both carriageways and causing a significant diesel and oil spillage.

Police, National Highways and Hampshire Fire Service were alerted to the incident around 4am and have been on the scene all morning.

The crash and road closure between Bullington Cross and Junction 9 of the M3 by Winnall have caused severe delays for drivers travelling to and from Winchester.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: "We were called at 3.49am today (Wednesday, September 20) to a report of a single vehicle collision involving a HGV on the A34 northbound. 

"The driver of the vehicle has sustained an injury to his arm and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

"The road is closed in both directions and a diversion is in place. We expect the road to be closed for the majority of the day and ask road users to please avoid the area wherever possible and allow extra time for your journey.  

"We apologise for any disruption while we deal with this incident and ensure that the road is safely cleared, and we thank people for their patience."

A Hampshire Fire Service spokesperson said: "A lorry travelling up the A34 northbound carriageway overturned near Winchester this morning. 

"Firefighters from Eastleigh, Winchester and Redbridge were alerted to the vehicle at around 4am, arriving on scene to rescue one casualty from inside the cab. 

"The casualty was passed into the care of South Central Ambulance Service paramedics. 

"The Environmental Protection Unit from Romsey was called to attend following a diesel leak. 

"HIWFRS worked closely with partners from SCAS, National Highways and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police. 

"Fire engines left the scene and returned to station following the stop message at around half five."

Diversions are in place for those travelling both northbound and southbound.