POLICE have launched an appeal after a crash this morning which left one driver dead and another seriously injured.

The B2177 Portsmouth Road, at its junction with Thompson's Lane, near Colden Common, has been closed for most of the day while emergency services dealt with the fatal crash near Marwell Zoo.

Police officers and firefighters from Bishop's Waltham, Eastleigh and Redbridge rushed to the scene, while South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) sent its Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and two ambulances.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the driver of an orange Renault Megane, a 27-year-old man from Eastleigh, was pronounced dead at the scene. The man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The driver of a black Alfa Romeo, a 23-year-old man from Curdridge who was cut free by firefighters, was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment of life-changing injuries, while SCAS confirmed no passengers were involved.

Taking place at 6.06am, not long before the morning rush-hour, drivers were told to avoid the area and use alternative routes, as the road was expected to remain closed in both directions for several hours.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision which took place this morning in Fishers Pond.

"The road was closed for some time to allow emergency services to work at the scene, but the closures have since been lifted.

"Anyone who witnessed the collision or has any information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44180430234."

Earlier in the day, the spokesman said: "This is likely to be closed for some time and cause traffic issues, so we advise seeking an alternative route if you intend on travelling this way.

"Thank you for your patience while we deal with this incident."

The closure was lifted at around 3pm, some nine hours after the collision.