AN articulated lorry crashed into safety barriers and overturned on the M40 today, injuring the driver.

It was travelling south between junction nine at Wendlebury and eight at Oxford when it struck the central reservation and spun over at about 5am.

The lorry was cleared from the carriageway but lane three in both directions was expected to be closed until this evening while the barrier is repaired. Drivers are being urged to choose alternative routes.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "The lorry severely damaged the central reservation for about 100 yards. It is of great importance that the road is made safe for other users before we allow other traffic to start using all the lanes again."

The driver, believed to be Dutch, freed himself from the wreckage before fire crews arrived. His lorry load of goods was scattered across the highway.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, suffering from minor injuries. Firefighters made the lorry safe and cleared the carriageway. Police hope to interview the driver today.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

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