A MAN found with serious head injuries on a rural road in Christchurch has spent a third day in an induced coma.

The casualty, believed to be the victim of a hit and run, was found at around 12pm on Dudmoor Farm Road on Monday with what police have described as ‘very serious injuries’.

Yesterday a spokesman for Dorset Police said the casualty remains in critical condition at Southampton hospital.

Police have not yet been able to confirm his identity but believe he is in his forties and has no permanent address. A joint investigation is being conducted by Poole traffic officers and detectives from Bournemouth CID to establish how the man obtained his injuries. Anyone who saw anything in the area of Dudmoor Farm Road or Marsh Lane in Christchurch is asked to contact Dorset Police.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 31:145 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.