A man was spotted 'jumping in and out of traffic' on a major road before a serious crash, police have said.

On Saturday, August 31, the M3 northbound was closed for more than six hours after a person was hit by a car. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police has now said that at 6.23am, officers were called to reports of a man jumping in and out of traffic on the A33; which runs parallel to the M3.

This was followed by a second call from a woman who had been driving on the A33 when a man jumped in front of her vehicle and tried to open the door.

READ MORE: LIVE: M3 near Winchester closed for 'several hours' after person hit by car

Less than ten minutes later, between 6.30am and 6.35am, a car on the M3 hit a person who, officers say, matches the description of the man seen a short time before on the A33.

PC Haithum Zubaidi said: “We are appealing for anyone who saw the man on the A33 or the M3 to come forward and speak to us. Were you driving in the area at the time? Do you have a dashcam fitted to your vehicle? If you have any information please come forward and speak to us.”

The reference number is 44240373544.

Police were first called to the scene at 6.23amPolice were first called to the scene at 6.23am (Image: NQ)

READ MORE: Man arrested for driving whilst unfit through drugs

The pedestrian was taken to hospital in a life threatening condition.

A 37-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs. He has been released under investigation.

The road was closed between junctions eight and nine for several hours, but has now been fully re-opened.