POLICE are investigating a serious three-car crash on the M3 near Winchester that forced the closure of the southbound carriageway.

The incident happened yesterday at about 6.30am north of junction nine and resulted in one vehicle being gutted by fire.

The accident involved two separate smashes. Police are still investigating how the first crash happened, when a VW Vento and a Mitsubishi Colt collided. A white Toyota then ploughed into the back of the VW Vento, causing it to catch fire.

Luckily the occupants of the blazing car had already managed to escape.

Of the six people travelling in the cars, four people, all from Southampton, received injuries. Two are still in hospital today and although they are in a serious condition, their injuries are no longer being treated as life-threatening.

One is the male driver of the white Toyota who received head injuries and the second is his female passenger who received abdominal injuries and multiple lacerations.

Police today confirmed two people have been arrested in connection with the accident but refused to release any more details until further inquiries have been made.

The motorway was closed for several hours yesterday and traffic was diverted along the A303 and A34 via Bullington Cross. Any witnesses should call PC Bates at Winchester traffic on 0845 045 4545.