A31 reopens after van rolls over and crashes in ditch

The dual carriageway was closed by police last night, March 1, after the crash between Pickett Post and Castle Malwood.

One person had to be rescued from the stricken van by firefighters and was taken into the care of paramedics.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary arrived on the scene of the incident at 4.13pm.

The road was closed between Ashley Heath roundabout at the A338 and the start of the M27.

Initially, there was extremely heavy delays on the roads during rush hour as police diverted motorists.

National Highways warned drivers to allow extra time and avoid the area.

A statement said last night: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey."

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said that they attended the site of the incident on the eastbourne carriageway between Pickett Post and Castle Malwood. 

A spokesman said efforts were made to "release one person that was trapped". 

Eventually, all lanes along the A31 were reopened at around 3.30am.

Hampshire Police has been contacted for more details. More follows.