POLICE are investigating a suspected hit-and-run accident after an injured horse rider was left lying in a ditch.

The woman was riding along Barrows Lane, Sway, yesterday when her horse was in collision with a vehicle that apparently failed to stop.

Police are anxious to trace an elderly man who was driving a grey or silver-coloured car.

The rider, who has not been named, fell from her horse and was found lying in a ditch at the side of the road.

Police say she received serious but not life-threatening injuries to her head, back and spine and was taken to Southampton General Hospital.

Her horse bolted after the accident and was found some distance away - but was none the worse apart from a stiff leg.

The rider is understood to have been found by two members of the public shortly after the collision.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, which occurred 100 metres from the junction of Barrows Lane and Sway Road.

A police spokesman said: "Officers at the Totton Roads Policing Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are appealing for witnesses or anyone who has any information to contact them.

"They would particularly like to speak to an elderly man who was driving a grey or silver-coloured car."

Meanwhile, New Forest police are continuing to investigate a hit-and-run accident in which a cyclist suffered a broken neck and severe concussion.

A 48-year-old man was riding along the B3078 road near Fritham when he was hit by a passing vehicle that failed to stop.

The victim, who lives at Breamore, was cycling home in the dark when the accident happened on November 16.

Anyone with information about either incident should ring the Roads Policing Unit at Totton police station on 0845 045 4545.