A MOTORCYCLIST who was involved in a serious crash on the eastbound M27 this morning has died from his injuries.

The 41-year-old from the Fareham area was thrown into the central reservation near junction 11 after colliding with a black Volkswagen Golf and a white Citroen Relay van just before 8.30am.

The motorcyclist, who had been riding a blue Honda motorcycle, was rushed to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham suffering from serious internal injuries and later died.

The drivers of the cars, both said to be in their twenties and from the local area, were treated for shock.

Police later arrested the driver of the Volkswagen and charged him with causing grievous bodily harm.

He was bailed until December pending further police enquiries.

Following the accident police closed the eastbound carriageway between junctions 11 and 12 of the motorway for over two hours, sparking traffic chaos on surrounding routes.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses to help with their investigation.

Anyone who might have seen the accident is urged to contact acting sergeant Gary Carter or PC Steve Winstanley at the Cosham Roads Policing Unit on 0845 045 45 45 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting Operation Alfalfa.

The accident occurred just minutes after a driver had to be cut free from a Transit van following a collision with a Ford Fiesta on Dodwell Lane, Bursledon.

The van driver was taken to Southampton General Hospital suffering from back injuries.