POLICE have named the cyclist who died in an accident with a van in the New Forest.

Christopher Johnson-Newell, 55, of Vicarage Lane, Hedge End, was killed on the B3055 Beaulieu to Brockenhurst road last Saturday.

A police spokesman said the accident happened after the van driver stopped to answer a call on his mobile phone.

She added: "The vehicle pulled over, with its wheels on the verge. The cyclist went into the back of the van at top speed."

Mr Johnson-Newell suffered serious head injuries in the accident, which occurred near a local beauty spot called Hatchet Pond.

Witnesses should ring the Roads Policing Unit at Totton police station on 0845 045 4545 and ask to speak to officers involved in Operation Whitwell.