THE death of an 18-year-old who was was found on a Hampshire motorway is not being treated as suspicious, police said.

The M27 was closed following the discovery of the teenager's body lying in the road in the early hours of yesterrday less than half a mile from the Ower junction 2.

A post mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist revealed she died from head injuries.

Police launched a major investigation into the woman's death and closed the motorway to allow officers to examine the scene.

The westbound M27 was shut between junctions 2 and 3 after a lorry driver saw the body on the carriageway at 3.50am. It was re-opened shortly before 1pm.

Police are continuing to appeal for information and want to hear from anyone who might have seen the teenager.

She was described as white with long red hair.

She was wearing dark jogging bottoms, with white piping down the side, and a cream hooded fleece cardigan.

Detective Inspector Kath Barnes, of Southampton police, said: "I would appeal to motorists who were driving between junctions 2 and 3 of the M27 in the early hours, and who may have seen a woman matching this description, to get in contact."

The westbound carriageway was closed for nine hours while officers conducted their investigation.

Police also closed the Hill Street Bridge, which runs over the motorway between the two junctions. Diversions were put in place and motorists advised to take alternative routes.

Drivers on their way to spend the weekend in Bournemouth or the West Country were among those affected.