A HAMPSHIRE lane was sealed off today after a Southampton motorist was badly burned in a mystery incident.

Firefighters were called to the New Forest last night amid reports a BMW had burst into flames and a man was on fire.

Police launched a major investigation after another man was seen running from the incident at Deerleap Lane, Colbury.

Today, a Hampshire police spokesman said the injured driver was a 25-year-old from the Southampton area.

The spokesman said: "The man, who suffered serious burns to his hands and stomach, was found lying near his burning BMW around 9.30pm by a member of the public.

"A man was seen running from the scene.

"Two motorcyclists are also believed to have been in the area around the time of the incident and may have been involved.

"The injured man was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment but has been discharged.

"One man was later arrested in connection with the incident and is being interviewed by detectives."

The drama began at 9.25pm yesterday when the emergency services received the first of two calls. The second call, believed to have been made by the injured man, was received four minutes later.

Firefighters from Lyndhurst and Totton dashed to the scene.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said today: "We received a report that there had been a road traffic accident and that a person was on fire. When we got there the casualty was outside the vehicle."

Deerleap Lane and nearby Staple-wood Lane were still closed today and police said the roads were likely to be shut for most of the day.

A local resident said: "A search involving a police helicopter and dogs went on late into the night."

Another resident said: "There's a police car at each end of the lane and the section between the farm and Biddlecombe Corner is closed off."

Longdown Activity Farm - one of the New Forest's biggest tourist attractions - was closed today. Visitors were also unable to reach the New Forest Otter and Owl Centre.

The incident happened between the activity farm and Christ Church.

Scenes of crime officers spent the morning examining the burnt-out remains of the car.