THE emergency vehicle used by New Milton Co-Responders could be written off after a crash on a blue light run at Milford-on-Sea on Sunday evening.

The vehicle, which is operated by New Milton firefighters, was on its way to a Category A life-threatening emergency when it passed the car park opposite Whitby Road on the cliff top road at Hordle Cliff, Milford.

As it passed the car park entrance at 10.15pm, a car pulled out and hit the rear of the Co-Responders’ vehicle which span and hit an oncoming white Ford Escort van.

Police believe the car, a dark-coloured estate vehicle, that had pulled out of the car park was driven off in the direction of Whitby Road without stopping.

The Co-Responder, a firefighter in his 50s, was taken to hospital on a spinal board as a precaution and was later sent home after treatment.

The 40-year-old Escort driver was treated in hospital for chest injuries.

A South Central Ambulance spokesman said the patient with the life-threatening condition was taken to hospital by the ambulance that was also on its way to the emergency.

New Milton fire station manager Steve Tolley said the Co-Responders’ car, which was supplied by Williams Bridge Garage was “severely damaged”.

“It’s probably a write-off. They have given us a replacement vehicle,” he said.

“I believe from seeing the car the guy was lucky to get away with minor injuries. He could have easily been killed.”

PC Simon Hughes said: “We are seeking any witnesses who may have seen a dark coloured estate car in the area of the crash, which may have suffered some damage, or who may have witnessed the collision itself.”

Contact him at Lymington police station on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

A 17-year-old from Lymington is helping police with their enquiries.