A pedestrian has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a bus in Southampton.

Police were called to Northam Road just after 7.30am to reports of a collision involving a double-decker Bluestar bus and a 65-year-old man.

The bus company says the man "stepped out" in front of the bus.

The pedestrian was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager, said: “I can confirm that one of our buses was involved in a collision on Britannia Road on Monday morning, when a pedestrian stepped out into its path. 

“Emergency services attended and we understand the pedestrian suffered injuries but are not currently aware of the extent of these. They were taken to hospital and we wish them a full and speedy recovery. 

“The safety of our passengers, drivers and other road users is very important, and we were able to carry out an immediate investigation into the cause of the incident. We are also helping police as they carry out their own enquiries.”

Officers cordoned off part of the bus lane near Esso petrol station but left soon after 9am.