A MAN is fighting for his life after a horrific three-vehicle crash on the A35 near Lyndhurst.

Emergency services rushed to the stretch of highway between the A337 Shrubbs Hill Road and Rhinefield Ornamental Drive at 7.19pm on Wednesday.

A South Central Ambulance spokesperson confirmed three ambulance crews, a doctor and a rapid response unit were deployed to the scene after reports of four casualties.

An 81-year-old man, who was a passenger in the Honda Jazz, was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where he remains with life-threatening chest injuries.

The driver, a 76-year-old woman, was also take to Southampton General Hospital, with minor injuries, as well as a second woman, in her 30s.

A fourth male casualty was assessed by paramedics at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Burley and Brockenhurst released two casualties trapped inside the vehicles - a Honda Jazz, a Honda Civic and a Ford Galaxy - a process completed just before 8pm.

The road was closed in both directions.

If you have any information call the Totton Roads Policing Unit on 101 quoting Operation Botein.