A MAN has been arrested after a lorry overturned and forced a main road near Winchester to be closed for 12 hours on Wednesday.

Police are appealing for witnesses after part of the A34 was closed from 7am until 7pm, delaying thousands of motorists.

The driver, 50, from Wiltshire, had to be cut free by fire crews and was airlifted to North Hampshire Hospital by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

It happened on the north carriageway of the A34, just before its junction with the A303, Sutton Scotney, a police spokesman said.

A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and bailed until December 2.

Traffic was diverted on to the A33 and A272 while the lorry and its contents - notebooks and coasters - were recovered.

The A34 northbound was closed until 6.57pm, and lane two southbound reopened by 11.30am.

Motorists in Kings Worthy, Abbots Worthy, St Cross, Otterbourne Road and Badger Farm Road all faced congestion.

Three fire engines attended – one from Winchester, another Whitchurch, and the third Redbridge, which has special cutting equipment, and two ambulances.

A silver Skoda Octavia was found in a ditch near the scene and recovered.

Its driver was taken by road to North Hampshire Hospital.

Both drivers’ injuries were not thought to be life threatening.

Investigating Officer PC Paul Thorne said: “I’d like to thank drivers who were affected by the road closures for their patience while we undertook our investigation on the A34 northbound carriageway yesterday.

“I’m keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the white lorry that overturned or the silver Skoda Octavia, and the way in which they were driving, prior to this incident."

Anyone with information should call 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.