A MAN from Essex is fighting for his life after stepping into the path of an oncoming car after consuming "a large amount of alcohol."

Police said the accident happened across the road from Tesco Express on Holdenhurst Road in the town centre at around 8.15pm last night.

A spokesman said the 21-year-old: "Ran off the pavement, out in front of a stationary bus, and straight into the path of the Renault [Clio]."

He was struck a glancing blow to the front near side headlight and then struck his head on one of the car's pillars.

The man was taken to Poole Hospital with suspected life threatening injuries and his condition was this morning described as very poorly but stable.

He had been visiting with friends and his parents have rushed to the hospital from Essex.

A police spokesman said it is believed he had consumed a large amount of alcohol.

The Renault Clio was driven by a 28-year-old local man who passed a breath test.

Neither he nor his three passengers were injured but they were left shaken.

They were travelling away from the town centre at the time and the accident was near the bus stop outside La Piccola restaurant.

The road has a strip of bars and pubs and police are appealing for witnesses because a large amount of people were in the area at the time.

Witnesses and anyone with information are asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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