A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit and run crash.

Police have launched an investigation following the incident in Townsend on Sunday afternoon.

Around an hour after the crash, a car was found on fire in Queens Park.

Emergency services were called to Tyrrell Gardens in the Townsend area around 3.45pm following reports a man had been hit by a car which did not stop at the scene.

A short time later, officers were called to reports of a vehicle fire in Howard Road in Bournemouth. A green Daewoo, believed to have been involved in the earlier incident, was destroyed in the fire.

The victim, a 20-year-old man from Bournemouth, was taken to hospital for treatment to a serious head injury. His condition is described as stable and not life-threatening.

It was initially feared the man’s injuries could be life-changing or life-threatening.

Tyrrell Gardens and Howard Road were closed for several hours while police carried out their investigation.

Detective Inspector Joan Carmichael, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed either incident in Tyrrell Gardens and Howard Road to please call me urgently.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the manner of driving of the Daewoo before and after the incident.

“All calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

A 24-year-old man from Poole has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 22:254 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.