A WOMAN was rushed to hospital after crashing into a tree near Winchester this morning.

The 31-year-old was driving a black Volkswagen Golf TDI along Old Stoke Road in Stoke Charity when the accident happened shortly before 9am. No other vehicle was involved.

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The driver, from Winchester, sustained serious head, chest and abdominal injuries in the incident and was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. She is awaiting surgery in Winchester prior to being transferred to the neurological unit at Southampton General Hospital.

The road was closed for two hours while specialist police units examined the scene.

Anybody who witnessed the incident should contact the Cosham Roads Policing Unit on 0845 045 45 45 or the Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.