A PEDESTRIAN is fighting for his life in hospital after being hit by a bus this morning.

According to police, the elderly man had been using a toucan pedestrian crossing when he was struck by the Bluestar single-decker near the Rushington Roundabout in Totton.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, a land ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance officer were on the scene after they were called at 11.22am.

The man, believed to be in his 70s, was taken to Southampton General Hospital with serious head injuries which police say are potentially life-threatening.

Debris was scattered on the road and the bus was parked up with a cracked windscreen.

Bluestar Operations manager Paul Coyne said: “I can confirm that a Bluestar 8 bus was involved in a serious incident involving a pedestrian in Hounsdown today.

"Our primary concern is for the welfare of the pedestrian and we will be monitoring their situation very closely. Our thoughts are with them and their family.

“We are also providing support for our driver and will continue to do so. The safety of our drivers, passengers and other road users is of utmost importance to us and we are conducting a full internal investigation. 

"We are also cooperating fully with the authorities as they continue their enquiries.”

The A35 Totton Bypass was closed between the M271 Redbridge Roundabout and the Rushington Roundabout.

Daily Echo:

Westbound traffic queued back to Southampton and along Redbridge Causeway, with delays coming into the city for eastbound drivers, also.

The roads reopened mid-afternoon, after long delays for all motorists.