Police are urging drivers to avoid the M27 after a serious crash.

Officers were called to reports of the serious collision shortly after 12.30pm this lunchtime.

Fire crews from Fareham, Hightown, St Mary’s and Redbridge rushed to the scene of the crash on the M27 westbound between junctions five and seven.

READ MORE: M27 closed due to serious crash - live updates

The road has been closed while emergency services deal with the incident.

The fire service has confirmed that while some crews remain at the scene, most fire engines are now starting to leave and return to the station.

The police issued the following statement: "We are currently at the scene of a serious collision on the M27 westbound.

"Officers have attended after reports shortly after 12.30pm today (Wednesday 21 February) of a serious collision at junction five.

"The road is currently closed between junction five and seven while emergency services deal with the incident.

"We ask road users to please avoid the area for the time being and we thank you for your patience."

The fire service said: "Firefighters from Fareham, Hightown, St Mary’s and Redbridge were alerted to a road traffic collision on the M27 westbound carriageway at around half 12.

"Crews worked to make the scene safe, with partners from police and ambulance also in attendance.

"Most fire engines are now starting to leave the scene and return to station."