POLICE are appealing for help to find the next of kin of a man fighting for his life after a crash near Monkey World.

Dorset Police said that they were called shortly before 4pm on Friday to reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a car.

It happened on Tout Hill between Wool and Bere Regis outside Monkey World. 

A Dorset Police spokesman said on Saturday: "At 3.54 pm on Friday, September 23 a serious injury road traffic collision occurred outside Monkey World at Tout Hill.

"An 82-year-old man from the Middlesex area was struck by a blue Toyota Rav 4 driven by a 65-year-old man from the Wareham area.

"The 82-year-old pedestrian suffered life threatening injuries as a result of the colllision and was taken to Southampton Hospital.

"The road was closed for several hours to allow investigators to examine the scene."

Police have now named the injured man as 82-year-old Alan Gerald Thomas, from Edgware, London and are appealing for help to find his next of kin.

Police Sergeant Fern Graham, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “We have made a number of enquiries to find Mr Thomas’ next of kin but have so far been unsuccessful.

“We believe he has a sister but he has not been in contact with her for some time and we don’t know where she lives.

“I am hoping that by releasing Alan’s photo that someone may be able to give us some information about his next of kin. If anyone can help, then please get in contact with Dorset Police.

“I would also like to appeal for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.”

Police added that Mr Thomas was in Dorset visiting when the accident took place.

Any witnesses are asked to contact PC 1970 Farendon on 101 quoting incident 23/305.

Anyone who may be able to identify Mr Thomas' next of kin should also contact police on the same number and quote the same incident.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said that it was called to the incident at 3.45pm and that it treated a male pedestrian.

The spokesman added that he suffered "serious" head and pelvic injuries.

It was reported at the time that he was taken to Dorset County Hospital by land ambulance, with the air ambulance landing at the scene as well.

A paramedic first responder also attended.