A stretch of the M3 has been closed after a lorry flipped onto its side, causing a major diesel spillage. 

The incident happened at around 11.45pm last night by junction 11 of the M3 motorway in Winchester.

A large-scale recovery is underway involving the police and emergency services in a bid to claer up the road before day break. 

Despite the time of the evening, motorists have found themselves stuck in gridlock traffic while the inicident is dealt with.

The AA reported: "Main roadway closed and queueing traffic due to accident on M3 Southbound at J11 A3090 (Winchester South).

"A maintenance vehicle has overturned causing a large amount of diesel to cover the road. The road will need to be cleared and may be closed for some time."

Motorists are being advised to seek alternative routes.