Arrests after cyclist suffers 'life-threatening' injuries in collision with car on A338 at Fordingbridge

TWO people have been arrested after a collision with a car on the A338 at Fordingbridge left a cyclist fighting for his life.

Paramedic teams, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight air ambulance, were dispatched along with police in response to the incident involving a Renault Clio which took place in Salisbury Road shortly before 8.30pm yesterday (Sunday).

The cyclist, a 23-year-old man, was assessed and treated at the scene before being taken by land ambulance to Southampton General Hospital accompanied by the helicopter’s medics.

His injuries were described as “life-threatening” by a Hampshire police spokesperson.

Motorists were urged to avoid the stretch of road as officers kept it closed in both directions for nearly eight hours for investigations.

They arrested a 52-year-old man from Bournemouth on suspicion of careless driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

A 55-year-old man from Shepton Mallet was also detained on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving, being drunk and disorderly and assaulting a police officer.

Both suspects currently remain in custody.

Witnesses and anyone with information about the collision should contact Hampshire police on 101, quoting incident reference number 44210407634.