A man has been arrested following a hit-and-run incident that left a driver with serious head injuries.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to get in touch.

Dorset Police were called at around 7.20 pm last Thursday, July 5, to reports of a collision on Manston Road in Sturminster Newton, at the junction with Green Close.

The crash reportedly involved a green Mini and a silver Chevrolet Kalos; the driver of the Mini - a 19-year-old man from the town - sustained a very serious head injury and was taken to Dorset County Hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition. He is expected to live.

The driver of the Chevrolet, meanwhile, reportedly failed to stop at the scene, and the car was later found abandoned nearby.

In connection with the collision, Dorset Police have arrested a 21-year-old man from the Blandford area on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident.

He is also suspected of driving without valid insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He is currently assisting officers with their enquiries.

Anyone with any information, or who witnessed the collision, is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at  SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 5:467.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.