A FEMALE motorbike passenger is fighting for life in hospital after a crash with a van on a Hampshire road.

The 57-year-old woman was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital following the collision in Hythe shortly after 6.30pm yesterday.

Police today said the woman, from Southampton , had sustained life-threatening injuries and remained in a “serious” condition.

The rider of the silver Yamaha FJ1200, a 52-year-old man from Totton , also suffered serious injuries.

He too was taken to Southampton General Hospital, and although his injuries have now been downgraded to not life-threatening, he was also described as being in a serious condition.

The driver of the blue Volkswagen Transporter, a 63-year-old woman from Hythe, was shaken but uninjured in the collision, which happened as the van headed towards Applemore roundabout, on Beaulieu Road, Hythe.

She was arrested on suspicion of driving without due care and attention, and has been bailed until October 25 pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the collision or either vehicle prior to it to call PC Emma Clifford on 101, quoting Operation Navaho.