A CYCLIST died after a head-on collision with a car on a country lane near Wickham yesterday.

The man, who lived locally, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the accident happened at 10.45am.

He had been riding his racer from Wickham along the B2177 Southwick Road when the accident happened near to The Pines Service Station.

He was in collision with a silver Volkswagon Bora travelling in the opposite direction and became trapped under the car. The woman driver and her husband, both aged 66 and from the Cosham area, were left badly shaken but unhurt.

The road was closed for several hours between the junction with Hundred Acres Road and the A32 while traffic police, paramedics and firefighters attended the scene.

Sgt Cleaven Faulkner leading the investigation said: "For reasons unknown the cyclist veered into the centre of the road and collided head-on with the car."

The man was wearing a helmet. He has not been named as police are waiting for all next of kin to be told but he is believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s. Sgt Faulkner is appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the cyclist riding along the B2177 or the accident itself to come forward. If you can help call Fareham Traffic Police on 0845 045 4545.