A MOTORCYLIST has been questioned by police after a road crash in which his pillion passenger was left fighting for her life.

Police say the 24-year-old rider took a breath test in hospital following the accident with a truck in Portchester yesterday.

He was released pending further police inquiries into the crash.

His 34-year-old passenger, who is serving aboard HMS Ark Royal, last night underwent major surgery for her injuries at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

Maria Hamilton from Leeds was taken to the hospital with severe leg, pelvis and head injuries following the accident in Leith Avenue.

Today her condition is critical but stable, said police.

The motorcylist, who lives at Portchester, was taken to hospital suffering from concussion and the woman truck driver, also from Portchester, was treated for shock but was uninjured.

The bike was travelling east when it collided with a Mitsubishi truck.

Residents rushed out to help, wrapping the badly injured female passenger in blankets.

Police sealed off the road for four hours after the crash which happened at about 7.50 pm.

Sgt Cleaven Faulkner said: "Subsequent to the accident the driver of the motorbike has provided a breath test. He is assisting us with inquiries into the accident.

"We are appealing for witnesses who saw this accident to come forward."

A neighbour said: "My wife ran out to help them after she heard a loud bang. She comforted the rider who was wearing full leathers.The passenger was apparently not in leathers.

"He didn't seem too badly hurt. He was conscious and my wife kept him on the ground and made sure he didn't move until the ambulance came."