A SOUTHAMPTON man has been arrested following a freak road accident where a man was left fighting for his life having fallen from the back of a fairground ride.

The 21 year-old is being quizzed by police on suspicion of dangerous driving after a 51-year-old man tumbled off a tea cup ride being towed through the New Forest by a red Nissan Navara.

In the moments before the incident the vehicle and trailer had been travelling along the A35 through Burley Manor crossroads.

After it passed through the crossroads, the driver of another vehicle a few cars back spotted a man lying in the road.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, a nurse had been driving with her husband and three children to a wedding reception when she saw a man fall to the ground.

It is understood she had been concerned before the incident because a large piece of tarpaulin had been flapping out the back of the vehicle, and just minutes later she saw the man fall.

The nurse, who did not wish to be named, rushed to his side to perform CPR on the man from Kent. He is fighting for his life at Southampton General Hospital.

A witness appeal has been launched by Hampshire police's serious collision investigation unit, based at Eastleigh.

Sergeant Adrienne Jerram said: “We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw the red Nissan Navara towing the ride as it travelled from Christchurch Quay, through Somerford and on the A35 towards Lyndhurst.

“We would like to know if anyone noticed anything unusual about the vehicle or its trailer.”

Anyone with information should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Eastleigh police station on 101 quoting Operation Classical. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.