POLICE are stepping up their investigating after a car allegedly drove at two cyclists and left one of them in hospital.

As reported by the Daily Echo, the 30-year-old man was riding through Southampton with a 32-year-old friend when they were targeted by the driver of a silver-coloured Vauxhall Astra.

The younger man suffered severe head injuries in the resulting collision and was rushed to hospital.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred at Colewell Close, Millbrook, just after 10pm on Monday.

Officers want to speak to people who were in a red VW Polo and a grey Vauxhall Astra in the area when the incident happened.

A spokeswoman said the collision involved what he described as an "old-style" Astra. 

She added: "The car is believed to have left the road over a grassed area onto Colewell Close and then deliberately made contact with one of the cyclists before leaving the scene at speed in the direction of Sedbergh Road.

"We believe this was a deliberate act and as such are investigating the incident as a serious assault.

"If you were in the area around this time, in a red Polo or grey Astra, please get in contact with us.

"Please call 101 quoting reference 44170192927."