A MAN walking along the hard shoulder of the M3 near Hook was taken to hospital after concerns were raised for his welfare. 

Traffic was at a standstill earlier on Friday, July 19, causing heavy delays trailing from J4 to J6 northbound and southbound with disruption lasting until approximately 12pm.

The incident was originally reported as a crash by Hampshire County Council Traffic and Travel on X, however, Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that the disruption was due to safety concerns.

The spokesperson told the Gazette: "We were called at 10.07am to a report of a concern for welfare of a man walking down the hard shoulder of the M3 Southbound between junctions 4 and 5.

"Officers attended and have transported the male to hospital. No injuries have been reported."