MORE than 300 vehicles were stopped by the police in the hunt for van after a life threatening collision.

A 70-year-old cyclist has been left fighting for his life after a hit and run crash with a Ford Transit van.

The cyclist was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital following the collision on the A338 near Fordingbridge just after 9.20am on Thursday.

He remains in a life-threatening condition.

Now Hampshire police have stepped up their search for a white Ford Transit flatbed vehicle which was involved in collision.

Officers have been stopping vehicles on the A338 Salisbury Road and handing out leaflets with information about the van they are looking for.

Inspector Andrew Storey said: “We are appealing for the help of members of the public to find the vehicle that was involved in the collision.

"The vehicle left the scene without stopping and we need to find it.

"Since the incident we have been following several lines of enquiry to find this vehicle but so far we have been unable to locate it.

“So we are appealing to members of the public for their help.

“This was a serious collision which has left a man in a life-threatening condition in hospital.

“We want people to look out for a flatbed transit type vehicle. The vehicle is likely to date from 2000 to 2006.

“Initial information gathered at the scene indicated it was a darker vehicle but as the investigation has moved on and we have gathered more intelligence, we now believe that the vehicle was white.

“The vehicle is a single cab, has a double axle, has extra ‘mesh’ on both sides of the rear and it is likely to have damage to its rear nearside wing mirror.

“We believe that the vehicle is local and we are asking the public to be vigilant especially when in car parks and remote areas, where a vehicle like this may have been abandoned.

“We would also like to hear from any motorists who were in the area that day who have any dash cam footage as this could hold vital information for this investigation.

"If you think you saw the vehicle that day or if you witnessed the collision, please call us.

“Anyone with any information can call us on 101, quoting Operation Addition, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”