A PENSIONER has died after he was struck by a car on a busy main road in Hampshire.

The 86-year-old suffered  head injuries following a collision with the vehicle in Caird Avenue, New Milton, at 5.43pm.

He has been taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where he later died

The was closed in both directions following the collision which took place near the Tesco superstore at the junction with Inglewood Drive.

Part of Caird Avenue was closed until approximately 9.20pm while police carried out initial enquiries at the collision scene.

A post-mortem examination will take in due course to help establish the cause of death.

Next-of-kin have been informed.

Police won't be in a position to publish the name of the man, from New Milton until all formal identification procedures are complete.

The driver of the car, a 21-year-old man from Lymington, was not injured. He has voluntarily given an account to the police.  He was not arrested.

A key line of enquiry is identifying and speaking with motorists and pedestrians who were in Caird Avenue between Ashley Road and the Tesco roundabout between 5.30pm and 5.40pm last night, said a police spokesman.

Anyone who was in this area between these times could be an important witness to the collision and the circumstances immediately beforehand.

Residents expressed their shock and sadness that the crash appeared to be so serious. 

One man living on the road, who did not want to be named, said: "A lot of elderly people live around here and you do worry for them when they cross the road. 

"I have seen near misses before so I can't say I am altogether surprised that something like this has happened. 

"It is very sad for the injured man - we are all thinking of him tonight and hope he pulls through."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact officers from Hampshire Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit (RPU) at Totton police station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Report.

Mini-com users can phone 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.