Crash that led to New Forest donkey foal’s death on the B3078 Roger Penny Way, between Bramshaw and Fordingbridge, was not hit-and-run

A CRASH that led to a donkey foal’s death in the New Forest was treated as a hit-and-run after the driver reported it through the wrong channels. Police had launched an investigation into the collision which took place on the B3078 Roger Penny Way, a notorious animal accident black spot between Bramshaw and Fordingbridge, on 3rd December. As reported in the A&T, the foal suffered serious injuries in the incident between 5pm and 5.30pm near the junction with Longcross Plain Road.

It had to be destroyed by agister Peter Rix.

The driver had reported the collision with a donkey foal to Forestry England instead of police (picture: stock image)

Having issued appeals for information, police announced last Friday that the driver responsible had since been identified. He is a 50-year-old man from the New Forest, who had raised the alarm but not contacted the force.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said: “The driver was identified as he had reported the incident to Forestry England. “Advice has been given with regards to the correct procedure for reporting collisions.”

Officers passed on the update details to the verderers, which offer a GBP5,000 award for those who provide information that leads to a hit-and-run driver’s conviction.

Verderers clerk Sue Westwood told the A&T: “A driver has been identified who called in the incident to Forestry England rather than to the police.

“The call has been confirmed and advice has been given as to correct procedure, which is that any accident on the public highway should be reported to the police at the earliest possible opportunity.”