A TEENAGE driver was killed when he was thrown from his car after smashing into three parked vehicles and a lamp post.

The 18-year-old, who has not yet been formally identified, lost control of his blue Ford Escort at the junction of Meggeson Avenue and Forest Hills Drive in Townhill Park, Southampton.

It hit a kerb and lamp post before careering back across Meggeson Avenue, crashing into the parked cars and overturning.

Emergency services including paramedics, a doctor, firefighters and police were called to the scene at 11.05pm last night after reports of a man lying unconscious in the middle of the road.

The 18-year-old, who was from Southampton, was pronounced dead on arrival at Southampton General Hospital.

Traffic police sealed off the road for five hours to conduct a forensic examination of the scene.

Investigating officer PC Nick McCarthy said: "We have carried out a very thorough and full road death examination. At the moment we believe the car had been driven up Forest Hills Drive when it lost control at the junction of Pinefield Road and Meggeson Avenue. It then hit a kerb, a lamp post and three other vehicles that were stationary and unoccupied.

"At the moment we are keeping an open mind on whether speed was a factor in the accident but the driver appeared to lose control of the vehicle."

PC McCarthy added: "Witnesses have told us that a motorbike was seen travelling directly in front of the Ford just before the accident. We would like that rider to come forward to help us with our inquiries, or any witnesses who saw a small motorbike at the time in the area."

This morning the trail of destruction was still evident, with skid marks on grass verges and markings on the tarmac of the junction where the fatal accident happened.

A Mercedes camper van and Mitsubishi Carisma were both still parked on the side of the road where they were struck by the Ford Escort last night.

The third car, a Vauxhall Vectra, had been moved.

A resident from nearby Pinefield Road, who was visibly shaken after witnessing the aftermath of the accident, said: "I heard a horrendous bang, like I have never heard before in my life. Then a long metal scrapping noise that seemed to go on for ages. It was horrific."

A resident in Meggeson Avenue said: " I think the car knocked down a lamppost and somersaulted quite a few times."

Andrea Jensen, landlady of The Ark pub in Meggeson Avenue, said: "I was born and bred here and since I've been on this estate for 36 years this road has always been a problem. It's like a death trap and there have been lots of incidents over the years.

"We've asked for traffic calming but all they've done is put up a useless sign. It's not good enough."

Jenny Whale, 59, who lives in Cutbush Lane, said: "I think the road is a disgrace. It's really dangerous, especially because there are so many parked cars either side."

Katrina Adams, 21, a hairdresser at She Clips in Meggeson Avenue, added: "The main

problem are the scooters. Young people seem to be going up and down, not looking where they are going. But it's not just young people. Everyone drives way too fast."

Anyone who with information about the accident can contact Pc McCarthy at Eastleigh roads policing unit on 0845 045 4545.