POLICE have arrested a driver after a Hampshire cyclist was killed in a collision with a 38-tonne lorry.

The tragedy occurred at 9.30am yesterday on the A32 in Gosport.

Police said the incident happened as a lorry driver tried to overtake the cyclist between Mortimer Road and Cambridge Road.

Both were travelling southbound on Brockhurst Road towards Gosport when the cyclist - believed to be a middle aged man - was struck from the side of the lorry.

A police surgeon at the scene confirmed that the cyclist, who has not yet been named, was killed instantly.

Police closed the A32 between Military Road roundabout and Ann's Hill Road for ten hours while they carried out their investigation.

Officers cordoned off the area forcing some shopkeepers to trade from the back of their premises.

Traffic congestion was heavy in the area during the rush hour until Brockhurst Road was reopened yesterday at about 7pm.

A lorry driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and for failing to stop at the scene.

He was questioned at Fareham police station.

Police are appealing to witnesses who were at the scene to come forward with information.

Inspector Dave Watkins, the officer leading the investigation - code named Operation Arreton - said: "We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and anyone who may be able to identify exactly what the lorry driver was doing when it happened."