A MAJOR inquiry was under way today after a badly beaten woman was found collapsed in a Hampshire woodland.

The victim, who had suffered severe head injuries, was discovered near a wooded path just outside Hambledon village around 8am.

Police said the alarm had been raised by a female dog walker, who dialled 999 after making the grim discovery near a footpath at Monarchs Way.

Officers raced to the scene near HMS Mercury and found the woman alive but seriously injured.

She was rushed to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, under police escort and was said to be undergoing emergency treatment.

Meanwhile police sealed off part of the woodland to allow a full-scale fingertip search of the area to be carried out.

Scenes of crime officers were called to the scene to embark on detailed forensic tests.

Speaking from the scene, Insp John Campbell, of Havant police, said: "We are keeping an open mind at the moment. The fear is that she has been attacked."

A Waterlooville CID spokesman confirmed the incident was being treated as suspicious.

Initial reports suggested the victim, who has not yet been identified, was aged anything between 20 and 50.

Police said she had received serious head injuries apparently from an assault.

It was not yet clear whether or not the woman came from the local area.

Anyone with information should call Waterlooville CID on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.