AN air ambulance landed on the A338 Salisbury Road in Fordingbridge this morning after a collision between a van and a cyclist.

The road is closed and police are asking drivers to avoid the area.

A South Central Ambulance Service spokesman said emergency crews are treating a male patient with a serious head injury. 

The collision happened near Burgate School at around 9.15am this morning.

The black Ford Transit van, which is believed to have 2000-2003 plates, failed to stop at the scene and was last seen driving along the A338 towards Ringwood.

The male cyclist suffered serious head injuries and has been taken to Southampton General Hospital.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who has seen a van matching the above description heading in the direction of Ringwood to contact them.

The road is expected to be closed in both directions for the next couple of hours as officers carry out their investigations.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting Altaris 167, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.