TWO people have died after an ambulance collided with a tree in the New Forest.

The driver of the ambulance, a female paramedic, and an elderly male patient travelling in the rear of the ambulance died at the scene of the collision on the A337 near Brockenhurst at its junction with New Park.

A 25-year-old man from Brockenhurst has been arrrested on suspicion of causing death by driving without due care and attention and taken into custody.

A male crew member and a male relative of the patient, both travelling in the back of the ambulance sustained serious injuries.

The crew member was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital and the relative of the patient was taken by ambulance.

Police revealed they believe two other vehicles were involved in the incident.

One - a blue Seat Alhambra driven by the 25-year-old - was involved in a minor collision with the ambulance, which left the road and collided with a tree.

All three vehicles were travelling in the same direction.

The ambulance ended up on the wrong side of the road in a ditch.

Next of kin are in the process of being informed.

Senior investigating officer, Inspector Kirsty Shannon, said: “This is a very tragic incident and our sympathies are with the families of the ambulance driver and patient.

“Clearly, we are in the early stages of our investigation and are examining the events prior to the collision. Contrary to rumours circulating, however, there is no suggestion any wildlife was involved.

“The road was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and arranged for the vehicle to be recovered. I would like to thank motorists for their patience while we responded to the incident.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle prior to it to contact us.”

Further details, including ages of those involved, will possibly be released tomorrow.

The road had been closed all day but re-opened around 5pm.

At its peak, around 30 emergency crew staff were at the scene.

Forensic investigations have been carried out.

A statement from South Central Ambulance Service said

"A double crewed ambulance belonging to South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) was involved in a collision with a tree on the A337 Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst road at 09.35 this morning.

"The ambulance was en route to Southampton General Hospital at the time of the incident conveying an elderly male patient. The patient was accompanied in the ambulance by a relative.  

"A female member of the ambulance crew and the elderly male patient were pronounced dead at scene.

"A male relative of the deceased patient was collared and boarded at scene and has been conveyed to Southampton General Hospital by land ambulance.

"A male ambulance crew member has been airlifted to Southampton General Hospital by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (Helimed 56).

"South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is conducting appropriate welfare checks with the families of all involved."

Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact the Road Death Investigation Team at Eastleigh on 101, quoting Operation Feldburg.

Three fire crews from Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and St Mary's attended the incident along with eight police cars and two ambulances.

Traffic was diverted from Brockenhurst to Beaulieu and heavy goods vehicles were directed through Lymington to Beaulieu.

Traffic heading south was diverted to the A35 to New Milton.