Full police statement on M27 crash which saw van 'driven on wrong side of road'

M27 with an inset of a police car <i>(Image: Google Maps)</i>
M27 with an inset of a police car (Image: Google Maps)

A Southampton man has been arrested after a van was allegedly spotted driving the wrong way on the M27 last night, leading to a crash.

Officers were made aware of the incident at around 9.40pm yesterday following 'reports of a white van driving in an eastbound direction on the westbound carriageway' on the Southampton motorway.

This caused three separate vehicles, aside from the van, to crash into each other and a passenger in one of the vehicles suffered a fractured ankle.

Following this, officers arrested a 55-year-old man from Southampton on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs.

He has since been released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

Officers are now appealing for anyone with information to get in touch with them.

He said: "We are appealing for information from anyone who was driving along the M27, between junctions two and three, at the time.

"If you witnessed anything, or have any dashcam footage which could assist in our investigation, please contact 101 and quote incident number 44240187340."

Full statement:

"A 55-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs.

"It follows reports at 9.40pm yesterday (Saturday 4 May) of a white van driving in an eastbound direction on the westbound carriageway and three separate vehicles subsequently in collision with one another.

"A passenger in one of the vehicles suffered a fractured ankle during the incident.

"We are appealing for information from anyone who was driving along the M27, between junctions two and three, at the time.

"If you witnessed anything, or have any dash cam footage which could assist in our investigation, please contact 101 and quote incident number 44240187340.

"You can also report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.

"The arrested man has since been released under investigation, pending further enquiries. "