A MAN arrested after a hit and run crash which left a cyclist dead has been released under investigation.

Police were called to a collision on the A338 Spur Road southbound around a mile from the Ashley Heath roundabout at 10.40pm on Tuesday.

The crash involved a white Mercedes panel van and a bicycle. The van failed to stop.

The cyclist, 30-year-old Christopher Gibbs from Poole, died at the scene.

Officers later discovered a van they believe is involved in the collision abandoned on the Nursling Industrial Estate in Southampton.

A 57-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He has been released under investigation.

A 57-year-old Southampton woman who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender had previously been released under investigation.

Officers are still calling for anyone who was in the area of Verwood, the A31 or the A338 between 9.30pm and 10.40pm on Tuesday night and may have seen a cyclist to contact police.

To speak to officers, visit dorset.police.uk or call 101, quoting incident number 3:518.