A DRIVER was injured in a head-on crash on a notorious road near Winchester.

The man was trapped in the wreckage of his Vauxhall Corsa after it collided with another vehicle on the A272 at Hockley House near Cheriton.

Three fire engines were called out and the victim had to be cut free by Winchester firefighters. He was then taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester. His condition was unclear but he was conscious during his ordeal, according to the fire and rescue service.

The road was blocked for about an hour and police diverted Winchester-bound traffic off the A272.

Scores of vehicles heading east had to do U-turns and go back some four miles to the A272/A31 interchange at Morn Hill.

The cause of the crash was unclear but it happened at a bend with poor drainage in wet conditions.

It regularly has a large puddle over one carriageway, which can cause problems for drivers.