COMMUTERS faced misery this morning (Thursday) after a man was killed in a collision with a lorry on the M3.

Police closed the motorway between junction 12 at Eastleigh and 11 for Twyford northbound shortly before 6am.

The 48-year-old man, who has not yet been named, suffered "extremely serious" injuries and was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital by ambulance, where he later died.

Police believe the man was waiting by a BMW X5 on the hard shoulder near to Junction 12.

He was hit by a blue DAF articulated lorry at around 5.40am.

The driver of the lorry, a 51-year-old man from Waterlooville, was shocked but otherwise uninjured.

The road remained closed throughout the rush hour as officers carried out forensic work and made the road safe, forcing drivers onto village roads in the surrounding areas.

Gridlock ensued in Colden Common, Twyford, Otterbourne, Eastleigh and back onto the M27, as well as causing problems elsewhere.

The road was reopened shortly before 10am.

Sergeant Mark Foster, who is investigating, said: "We would appeal to anyone who was driving on the M3 northbound at junction 12 between 5am and the time of the incident and saw the collision to contact police.

"We would particularly like to speak to anyone who saw a silver/grey-coloured BMW X5 parked on the hard shoulder of the motorway with its hazard lights on with a white man either in or outside the vehicle.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who was in Winchester Road, Otterbourne, between 5am and just prior to the collision and saw a man driving a silver/grey-coloured BMW X5."

Officers are appealing for witnesses. Contact Totton Roads Policing Unit on 0845 045 45 45, quoting Operation Dorton.