A 22-YEAR-OLD man has died after a crash on the A31 near Ringwood.

The crash happened in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, April 30) and closed the A31 for about seven hours.

Emergency services were called at 2.15am to the incident on the dual carriageway at Poulner.

A silver Peugeot 406 estate and a coach were involved.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "We were called to the A31 westbound, at Poulner Hill, at 2.15am today to reports of an incident involving two vehicles. The vehicles were a coach and a Peugeot 406.

"The driver of the Peugeot, a 22-year-old man from Ringwood, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

"Formal identification procedures are ongoing at this time."

The road was closed for several hours as officers carried out investigations at the scene.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident or who saw either vehicle prior to the crash to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44170160420, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.