AN inquest into the death of a motorcyclist killed when his bike collided with a runaway pony on a Hampshire dual carriageway sparking traffic chaos across the region is due to be held today.

Daniel Robins was one of two riders in collision with the animal on the A31 westbound carriageway at Picket Post near Ringwood.

The 31-year-old from Bournemouth was pronounced dead at Royal Bournemouth Hospital shortly after the collision.

Police closed the westbound carriageway for seven hours while they investigated the tragedy.

Hundreds of drivers were stranded in their cars with no food or water or access to toilets.

The other rider, a 47-year-old man from Broadstone, was taken by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital after suffering serious injuries.

The pony died at the scene.

Before the collision, at 6.15pm on Janurary 22, both riders were held in a queue of traffic while police responded to reports of the pony loose on the carriageway.

Officers were advising motorists to proceed with caution regarding the possibility of animals in the road.

The police handling of the incident was initially referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

But the organisation decided not to investigate the incident itself and allowed Hampshire police to carry out its own inquiry.

Police have defended their actions in dealing with the crash but say they will be looking to see what lessons they can learn.

The family of Mr Robins, a former pupil of Hardley School, Holbury, have since pleaded for the speed limit to be reduced on the notorious section of road.