POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man died following a crash on the A34 this morning.

Officers were called at around 4.40am to reports of a collision involving a mini-bus and a lorry on the A34 southbound, just south of the Sutton Scotney Services.

Five people were travelling in the white Ford Transit mini-bus at the time of the incident.

A 36-year-old man, who was one of the passengers, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Three other passengers were injured, two 25-year-old men and a 24-year-old man, who are all from North Yorkshire.

Two were taken with minor injuries to North Hampshire Hospital and the other was taken to Southampton General Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the lorry, a 63-year-old man from Warwickshire was uninjured.

Investigations into the exact circumstances of the collision are ongoing.

The A34 southbound has now full re-opened.

Sgt Dick Thorpe, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Sadly a man has lost his life this morning and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

“We know that the road closure caused disruption for a lot of people but I hope that everyone will understand that we have a job to do to ensure the circumstances of this collision are thoroughly investigated.

“If you saw the collision or saw either vehicle prior to the incident then please call us as any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101, quoting 44180075034, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 19-year-old man from Durham has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in custody at this time.