UPDATE: Body found on carriageway at Junction 11 of the M27, long delays and bridge closed

Police were called to the incident between Junction 11 and 12 just before 1.30pm today.

A spokesman confirmed that a person was found dead at the scene.

A police spokesman said: ‘We had a call at 1.27pm today to between Junction 11 and 12 on the M27, near to Downend Road Bridge, Fareham, to reports of a body on the carriageway.

‘Police are investigating the circumstances, and investigations are ongoing.’

Motorists faced long delays as the westbound carriageway was closed, although a spokesperson for the Highways Agency said one lane reopened at 2pm.

Tailbacks westbound are as far as Portsmouth. Roads in the city are busy as people try and avoid the motorway.

Eastbound traffic was also slow. Down End Road bridge is closed.

A spokesman for South Coast Ambulance Service said: ‘We were called at 1.26pm to reports of a person falling from a bridge over the M27 between J11 and J12.

‘We have sent a Dr, an Officer in a Rapid Response Vehicle and an Ambulance.’