POLICE investigating a hit-and-run accident in which a former Fareham police officer was killed have arrested a pensioner.

The 71-year-old was questioned yesterday in connection with the inquiry that was launched following the collision in the New Forest which left pedal cyclist John Morris seriously injured at the side of the road.

Mr Morris, a retired police traffic officer, was found on the narrow unlit lane near Cadnam by a passing motorist on Monday evening.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital but died later that night.

Today Hampshire police confirmed a motorist had been quizzed in connection with the incident.

The man, who has not been named but comes from the Andover area, was later released on police bail until November 23, pending further inquiries.

Today it emerged 58-year-old Mr Morris had been wearing a fluorescent cycle jacket when he was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop.

Fellow members of Salisbury Road Club were stunned by his death.

Their president, Bill Shearing, said Mr Morris's time in the police and subsequent career as an accident investigator had made him extremely safety conscious.

He said: "John was a very meticulous person who did all the right things to ensure he was as safe as possible.

"Whenever he went out with other cyclists he was always the most colourful person on the road, which is what makes his death so unfair."

Mr Morris, of Wood Road, Ashurst, had been to visit his brother-in-law, Pip Brown, who runs a cycle shop in Salisbury.

He was cycling home when he was hit by a vehicle at Furzley Road, Newbridge, and left for dead.

Grieving relatives have placed floral tributes at the spot where he was fatally injured.

One of the bouquets is accompanied by a note that says: "You were the best man anyone would like to meet. You will be missed and loved forever."

Another note says: "To a wonderful friend and mate. Keep riding up there, John."

Anyone with information about the crash should ring Lyndhurst police station on 0845 045 4545.