A Verwood driver has been arrested after his passenger, who is now in a life-threatening condition, exited the car whilst it was moving.

The passenger was taken to hospital by air ambulance after the incident on Holt Road in Mannington.

It happened on Tuesday afternoon, 8th August, and involved a black Mazda 3 hatchback.

The passenger – a man aged in his 30s – was taken to Southampton Hospital, where he remains in a life-threatening condition.

A 45-year-old man from Verwood has been arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Detective Superintendent Stewart Dipple, of Dorset Police, said: “We are conducting a range of enquiries as we seek to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“A road closure remains in place as we carry out a detailed examination of the scene to help inform our investigation.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their patience while this is in place.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or the manner of the driving of the black Mazda in the moments leading up to the collision, to please come forward.

“Also, I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant dashcam footage from the Holt Road area at around 4.40pm on Tuesday 8 August 2023.

“Local officers will be in the area over coming days conducting enquiries and providing community reassurance. They can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police quoting occurrence number 55230124667.