AN ELDERLY couple, their daughter and grandson are today recovering in hospital after being involved in a car accident near Fareham.

The pensioners were travelling in a Nissan Micra car with their 36-year-old daughter and her two children when the accident involving a Renault Clio car being driven by a young man, occurred.

The grandfather, who was driving, suffered a broken pelvis and is expected to stay in hospital until at least the new year.

His wife, who suffers with heart problems, is also being monitored at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham.

Their daughter is in intensive care after she failed to regain consciousness following the collision.

Her son, thought to be aged nine, suffered facial injuries and a broken leg. Her daughter, thought to be aged 11, escaped unscathed.

All five had to be cut free by firefighters who were called to the scene at the Mays Lane junction with Windermere Avenue in Stubbington at about 12.25pm on Saturday.

Sub officer Ian Hussey from Fareham fire station said: "We ended up with four passengers and one driver trapped in one vehicle. We got one out quite quickly and were then left with the mother and son trapped in the back of the vehicle.

"She was also travelling with a daughter as well, but she was released quite quickly. We had to remove the roof and side of the vehicle to free the mother and son and they were released to the ambulance."

Fareham traffic officer PC Jim Chapman said yesterday: "The woman's husband and children's father is now at the hospital with the family. It's very sad indeed that we have most of a family in hospital just before Christmas. We are still looking for witnesses to the accident and would appeal for anyone with information to come forward."

The driver of the Renault Clio was questioned by police on Saturday afternoon and bailed pending further enquiries.

All calls to Fareham traffic on 0845 045 45 45.