Military called in to help rescue stranded drivers

The military were last night called to help police deal with a “major incident” and rescue people stranded on the A31 in Hampshire where drivers faced spending the night in their cars.

The force took the unusual step after declaring cars had been stranded since 4pm.

Both the eastbound and westbound carriageways of the road through the New Forest and parts of Dorset were blocked. Police said they were setting up rest centres, so that those who were stuck could get food and drink supplies.