A THREE-year-old Isle of Wight girl was critically injured in a mainland traffic collision yesterday (Thursday).
The three-year-old from Ryde, who was in a Toyota Yaris, suffered serious injuries in the accident near Fareham and was taken to Southampton General Hospital by air ambulance.
Her 23-year-old mother and the driver, a 31-year-old man from Essex, were uninjured.
The Yaris, a Volkswagen van and a Ford Transit van were in collision on the A32 near its junction with Forest Lane, at Wickham, north of Fareham, around 11am.
The Volkswagen driver, a 54-year-old from Romsey, was uninjured. He was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and bailed until January 10, pending further enquiries.
The Transit driver, a 34-year-old Southampton man, was uninjured.
Sgt Andy Lynch said:"This was a serious collision that’s left a young girl critically ill in hospital.
"We closed the road for around five hours to investigate the scene and recover the vehicles.
"We understand there were at least two other vehicles driving ahead of the three involved in the collision. I’d like to hear from these drivers, or anyone who can help us to identify them, to see if they assist our investigation."
Anyone with information can contact Sgt Lynch, quoting Operation Copperfield, on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk