A MAN from New Milton has been arrested and another from the town was seriously injured in a road crash.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward following a collision in Christchurch.

The incident happened at around 2.36am on the B3059 near Somerford roundabout on Saturday.

The collision involved a yellow Fiat Punto and a blue Citroen Saxo. Each car was occupied by four people.

The front seat passenger of the Punto, a 20-year-old man from New Milton, was taken to Southampton General Hospital with life-threatening injuries but his condition is described as stable.

Four other people attended hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Police Sergeant Rhiannon Stroud, of Dorset Police’s Road Policing Team, said: "I am appealing for any witnesses to the incident to contact police.

“Also, I would like to hear from anyone who saw the manner of driving of either vehicle leading up to the collision."

A 22-year-old man from New Milton was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and has been bailed until late October 2016.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 15:64. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.