Dibden Purlieu: Everything we know so far as man dies in crash

Police were called at 7.41am yesterday following reports of a two-vehicle collision at Main Road in Dibden. The crash, which shut the road for eight hours, resulted in all three emergency services being called to the scene. Police say a silver-coloured Ford Fiesta was in collision with a blue Mercedes Sprinter van.

The driver of the Fiesta, a Totton man in his 20s, was killed. The driver of the Mercedes, a 40-year-old man from Dibden Purlieu, was arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving. He was later released under investigation.

It happened at the bottom of a short hill between Dibden Golf Centre and Main Road's junction with Claypits Lane. A Main Road resident said one of the vehicles was travelling south when it went out of control and was involved in a collision with another vehicle coming in the opposite direction. She added: "I heard a bang and then all the traffic stopped - I knew that had happened because there's normally a constant noise.

"The road remained closed while the highways people dealt with diesel and broken glass on the road." One of the people involved in the crash was cut free from the wreckage by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. Posting on social media, Hardley Fire Station said: "We were mobilised to an RTC trapped, alongside crews from Hythe and Redbridge fire stations, involving two private vehicles along Main Road in Dibden.

"The road was closed in both directions. "Rapid extrication completed on one casualty, quickly handing them over to South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust for treatment. "Scene handed over to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for investigation and recovery actions."

Vehicles heading to and from Hythe and Dibden had to use the A326 and Claypits Lane until Main Road reopened at 3.30pm.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash.

The spokesperson said: "If you witnessed this collision, saw either vehicle in the moments leading up to this incident, or have relevant dash cam footage, please call 101 or report online via our website using reference 44230487842."