HAMPSHIRE police have vowed to track down motorists who blocked an ambulance that was trying to reach a critically-injured motorcyclist on the M3.

The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries after the accident near Winchester, which also involved a lorry and a car.

Police said attempts by paramedics and officers to reach the injured man, at junction 10 at the Twyford Gap, were delayed by cars driving on the hard shoulder to try to avoid heavy Bank Holiday weekend traffic queues.

Police warned someone could die if motorists continue to hamper the emergency services by cutting down the hard shoulder in a bid to get around accidents.

Inspector Peter Fuge said: "This could cost the life of someone if they stop the ambulance getting there on time.

"These motorists are impatient and thoughtless, because not only do they put accident victims at risk but they could very easily cause another accident by driving at 30mph or 40mph on the hard shoulder.''

All motorists seen driving on the hard shoulder following the Friday evening accident, which caused traffic tailbacks of eight miles, will be prosecuted.

Insp Fuge said the injured motorcyclist, who is not being identified, was in a stable condition in intensive care in the Royal Hampshire County Hospital last night.

Police were dealing with another serious road smash involving another motorcyclist on the busy M3 last night.

An injured man, who has not been named, was taken to Southampton General Hospital following an accident near junction nine at around 2pm.

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