POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was found seriously injured in a deserted country lane, the victim of what appears to be a callous hit-and-run accident.

The incident is thought to have happened sometime between 11pm on Saturday night (November 25) and 12.30am the following morning.

The man was found by a member of the public who alerted the emergency services.

According to Hampshire Police, officers were called to Yew Tree Lane on Lower Wield, near Alton, just after midnight following the discovery of a man lying in the road.

South Central Ambulance Service sent two ambulances to the scene in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The 54-year-old victim, said to be from the area, was treated at the scene before being taken to North Hampshire Hospital at Basingstoke. His injuries are described as “life-changing”.

In appealing for information, PC Christopher Pike, from the joint roads policing unit, said: “At this stage, we believe his (the victim’s) injuries are consistent with being involved in a collision with a vehicle. We are keeping a very open mind about the circumstances of this case and would like to hear from anyone who was driving or walking along Yew Tree Lane between 11pm and 12.30am. Any information you may have could really help with our investigation.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44170459980, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.