A BOMB disposal team shut a major road for 11 hours after flammable material was hurled from a bridge over the carriageway, it has been revealed.

Emergency services rushed to the M3 between junction 10 and 11 at 3.49am on Saturday following the incident.

An explosive ordnance disposal team was called and early tests discovered that the material, which has not been identified, was flammable rather than explosive.

There was gridlock on the M3 and on many roads approaching the main route to London, as well as all around Winchester.

The material was thrown from the motorway bridge which leads to St Catherine's Hill.

Hampshire Constabulary said a similar incident happened on the same bridge at about 4am on Saturday, September 16.

A police statement said: "Nobody was hurt, and there is no wider risk to public safety as a result.

"Assessments to determine exactly what the material is are still on-going at this time.

"We have been utilising a wealth of expertise, across policing and our partners, to assess the risk to public safety, and we stress that at this time this is not being treated as a terrorist incident.

"Officers are aware of, and are investigating, a similar incident which took place on the same bridge last week, at around 4am on Saturday 16 September.

"In this incident, an object was dropped into the carriageway and we received further reports that something was alight in the same location.

"Officers attended and found a quantity of broken glass but no fire. A lane 1 closure was put in place for a very short time, to allow the debris to be cleared. No-one was hurt during this incident.

"We know that a lot of people use this route at that time as part of their daily routine, and we urge anyone who witnessed either of these incidents, or who has any information, to contact police immediately on 101.

"Did you see anyone on the bridge? We know dog walkers use the areas either side of the bridge.

"Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area?"

"We thank you for your patience and co-operation as we investigated yesterday’s incident, but again would like to reassure you that this is not being treated as a terrorist incident."

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a Royal Navy bomb disposal unit at the scene, and the Ministry of Defence confirmed a bomb disposal unit was “providing assistance” but declined to give any further details.