A lorry that was involved in a multi-vehicle crash on the M27 between junctions 5 and 7 has caught fire.

The crash took place at around 12.30pm. It involved a number of cars and a lorry, which hit a gantry on the side of the westbound carriage way.

As a result of the incident, the motorway was closed for at least seven hours causing traffic chaos on the M27.

Daily Echo: At the time of the crash, a spokesperson for Hampshire police said: “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, February 21, of a serious collision at junction five.

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

READ MORE: Fire breaks out after lorry hits gantry in crash on M27

The police and Southampton City Council asked road users to plan ahead as roads across the city became congested due to the motorway closure.

At around 8.00pm and after part of the westbound carriageway had been reopened, the lorry that had crashed into the gantry burst into flames.

The large fire was attended by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service.

A spokesperson for Hampshire & IOW Fire and Recue said: "A lorry that was involved in an earlier crash on the M27 westbound between junctions 5 and 7 has caught fire.

"Crews from Eastleigh and Redbridge are in attendance.

"The investigation into the crash and the fire is ongoing."