A DRIVER has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop following the death of a motorcyclist on the M27 this morning.

The road has been closed wetsbound from J7 to J5 for seven hours after a biker in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a truck near junction 5 at about 6.50am.

Inspector Steve Wakeford from the Roads Policing unit said: “A driver of a waste truck has now contacted us following the death of the motorcyclist.

“It is important to stress that we keeping an open mind about the collision until we have collated all the evidence and ruled out the possibility of any other vehicle being involved.

“That’s why it’s absolutely vital that anyone who witnessed the collision this morning or has any information that can help to get in touch.

“We are working very hard to re-open the motorway and hope to have all lanes running by half past two.

“We are investigating an extremely serious incident which involves a number of police teams and agencies.

“For the sake of a proper investigation, we have to make sure we’ve covered every base and fulfilled our duty to the motorcyclist and his family.

“We have to conduct an investigation which satisfies all of their questions and the coroner’s questions.

“Closing a motorway is not something we take lightly. We are fully aware of the impact to the public and local businesses and we try to update the community regularly as to when it will be re-opened.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been affected for their patience and understanding.”

He added that initial reports that the waste truck was a Biffa truck had proved to be untrue.

Police believe it is possible the driver did not realise there had been a collision.

Motorists within the closure points have found themselves marooned while emergency services tended to the casualties and removed the damaged vehicles and wreckage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary quoting Operation Santawood on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.