A FEMALE driver from Curdridge was caught in a moment of mayhem on the M27 that saw one car plunge 40 feet down an embankment.

The 26-year-old was driving a black Mercedes on the eastbound carriageway at around 10pm on Friday (April 3).

Police said she had to brake suddenly when a small vehicle, thought to be a Ford Ka, joined the motorway at junction five near Southampton Airport.

Due to the Mercedes slowing, a black Ford Fiesta behind it swerved out of control and plunged down a slope beside the road and landed on its roof.

The driver, a 20-year-old woman from Southampton, escaped without serious injuries.

PC David Hazlett said: “Given the circumstances of this incident, the Fiesta driver was very lucky indeed not to have been more seriously injured.”

Police are now trying to trace the Ford Ka driver, who did not stop at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call Totton Roads Policing Unit on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.