AN elderly man suffered serious injuries after a hit and run crash on Sunday in Ringwood.

The incident took place in Cowpitts Lane in Poulner on Sunday afternoon, while the man was walking his dog.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "Sometime between 5pm and 5.30pm on Sunday, an 87-year-old man was walking his dog along Cowpitts Lane in Ringwood, heading east from Gorley Lane, when he was struck by a vehicle coming from the same direction.

"The driver left the scene without stopping. The elderly man was found by a member of the public and following a call to emergency services, the man was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

"The scene was cordoned off for several hours to allow for enquiries to take place."

Roads Policing Sergeant Nigel Burt said: “We are appealing for the driver to come forward so we can find out exactly what happened. It was extremely fortunate for the elderly gentleman that he was found so quickly after afterwards.

“Failing to stop after a road accident of this nature is a very serious matter and we are keen to speak to the driver of the vehicle as soon as possible.”

Anyone who saw the collision or was in the area and has information which can assist this investigation is asked to contact the Totton Roads Policing Unit by calling 101 and quoting 44150371509, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.