A pensioner from Bournemouth has died after a crash involving a lorry in a layby on the A31. 

Ambulance crews were called to the scene to treat the woman, who was not in a car at the time of the incident.

Police say the 72-year-old, from Bournemouth, was taken to hospital, but died of her injuries.

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South Central Ambulance Service were called at 7.56am on Thursday and sent an ambulance, an officer and a specialist paramedic to the scene, as well as the air ambulance.

Hampshire Police confirmed around 2.35pm that the woman had died. The driver of the long-distance HGV which was involved in the incident did not sustain any injuries. 

The road was closed eastbound for several hours, with traffic diverted to Salisbury.

Traffic caught between the road closure and the scene of the incident was queued for several miles heading back towards the Ashley Heath Roundabout. 

Drivers and passengers could be seen getting out of their cars and walking along the road or sitting on the crash barrier to speak to other motorists. 

A police motorbike travelled along the road speaking to drivers about the plan to move traffic along. 

The road was partially re-opened just after 11am, with traffic using the central reservation to pass the scene.

Large vehicles were urged to use the diversion along the A338 northbound towards Salisbury.

The road was then fully re-opened eastbound just after 12noon with reports of heavy traffic on the A31 and in the wider area. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said that all parties believed to have been involved had been spoken to at the scene by officers. They also thanked the public for their patience while they were on the scene.

No arrests have been made. Witnesses and anyone with information should call Sergeant Mark Thornley at the Western Roads Policing Unit on 101, quoting Operation Monroe with incident number 44160187418. 

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.