A DRAMATIC rescue operation swung into action yesterday to save a lorry dangerously balanced on one side.

Firefighters battled for more than three hours to save the 40- tonne articulated truck, which was wedged under a low railway bridge in Greatbridge Road.

It was just after 12.30pm that the HGV rammed the bridge and tipped sideways, with its right wheels more than seven feet off the ground.

Safety barriers at the top of the structure stopped the lorry crashing into the bridge itself, but the front part of the empty container became wedged.

A dozen firefighters rushed to the scene and used a special equipment unit to help stabilise the teetering vehicle and rescue the trapped driver.

It was the latest in the series of smashes at the bridge, including an accident in which a lorry overturned in November 2002 and two crashes less than two months later.

Inspector Peter Funnell, from Romsey police station, said: "There are about two incidents a year at this bridge. People have called for flashing warning signs, roundabouts and more white lines over the years but it's something that needs to be looked at."

He added the driver, thought to be from Gloucester, was being questioned by police about the incident.

Hampshire County Council was unavailable for comment about road safety.