Police have bailed three people arrested following a horror crash that led to the death of a lorry driver.

The M27 was shut for more than 35 hours due to the tragic incident at 12.30pm on Wednesday, which saw a Mercedes lorry, Nissan Juke and Volkswagen Polo collide - causing the HGV to smash into an overhead gantry.

The driver, who police have now confirmed was a 36-year-old man from Salisbury, died at the scene - near junction 5 of the westbound carriageway, the exit for Southampton Airport.

READ MORE: M27 crash - here are the latest updates

On Wednesday evening, when emergency services tried to move the lorry, it burst into flames - damaging the gantry.

This led to highways workers racing against the clock on Thursday to remove the electronic sign while the motorway closure caused gridlock in Southampton and further afield.

Police arrested three people at the scene.

A 32-year-old man from Yapton, Arundel, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and of drink driving.

A 40-year-old woman from Littlehampton was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, of drink driving, and of drug driving.

A 37-year-old man from Littlehampton was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

READ MORE: Cause of Osborne View hotel fire revealed by fire service

The trio were initially taken to hospital before being questioned by officers in police custody.

Today, police confirmed that all three have been released on bail until May 21 while the investigation into what happened continues.

A force spokesperson said they were still looking for witnesses to come forward and help the investigation team.

They said: “We are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision. Anyone with information or relevant dash cam footage should call 101 quoting reference 44240076451.”

The family of the man who died is being supported by specialist police officers.

Tributes were paid to him on the Daily Echo Facebook page, with readers offering their condolences.