A MAN is fighting for his life in hospital after apparently ‘exiting’ a car while it was moving in east Dorset.

Investigations are underway following the incident which involved a black Mazda 3 hatchback while it was travelling in Holt Road, Mannington, on Tuesday afternoon.

It was reported that a male passenger had exited the vehicle as it was moving.

The passenger – a man aged in his 30s – was rushed by air ambulance to Southampton Hospital, where he remains in a life-threatening condition. His family has been made aware.

A 45-year-old man from Verwood has been arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Officers investigating the circumstances of the incident, which was first reported at 4.41pm on August 8, are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam to come forward.

Bournemouth Echo:

Detective Superintendent Stewart Dipple, of Dorset Police, said: “We are conducting a range of enquiries as we seek to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“A road closure remains in place as we carry out a detailed examination of the scene to help inform our investigation.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their patience while this is in place.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or the manner of the driving of the black Mazda in the moments leading up to the collision, to please come forward.

“Also, I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant dashcam footage from the Holt Road area at around 4.40pm on Tuesday.

“Local officers will be in the area over coming days conducting enquiries and providing community reassurance. They can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”

A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service added: “We sent two double-crewed land ambulances, a critical care car, an operations officer and an air ambulance.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230124667.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.