AN elderly man who died in an ambulance crash in the New Forest last week has been named by police.

Francis Ironside, 88, of Harts Way, Lymington, died in the collision on the A337 near Brockenhurst along with ambulance technician Gillian Randall, 42, who was driving the vehicle.

Gillian was an ambulance technician with South Central Ambulance Service.

For reasons not yet clear, the ambulance she was driving left the A337 while travelling north towards Lyndhurst and collided with a tree at around 9.35am on Friday April 26.

The vehicle was taking Mr Ironside to hospital after he is believed to have suffered a fall at his home.

Both Mr Ironside, known to his family and friends as Jim, and Gillian Randall were pronounced dead at the scene.

A 32-year-old male paramedic - Rich Riley - and a 64-year-old son of Mr Ironside - Hordle Parish Council chairman David Ironside - who were both travelling in the back of the ambulance, suffered serious injuries and remain in a serious condition in hospital.

A 25-year-old Brockenhurst man driving a blue Seat Alhambra, which was involved in the collision, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving without due care and attention and bailed until July 29.

On Monday, colleagues of Gillian Randall paid their respects to her by placing floral tributes at the side of the busy A337.

Officers are continuing their appeal for information and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle in the Lymington or Brockenhurst areas prior to it.

Anyone with information should contact the Road Death Investigation team, quoting Operation Feldberg, on 101.