POLICE are appealing for information after a man walking his dog was struck down by a van in a hit and run accident.

A 64-year-old man was walking his dog at around 10.30pm on May 19 when he was struck by a van causing injuries to his ribs.

The accident happened on Woodmill Bridge, Woodmill Lane, causing outrage among residents, who have been campaigning for stricter safety measures in the area.

The man was hit with "such force" that the van's wing mirror snapped off and the victim was left on the ground as the driver fled the scene.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "We received a report of a collision between a van and a pedestrian on Woodmill Bridge, Woodmill Lane that happened between 10.25pm and 10.30pm on 19 May.

"A 64-year-old man reported that he was walking his dogs over the bridge when a van mounted the curb and the wing mirror struck him before the vehicle drove off.

"The man suffered minor injuries to his ribs.

"The van’s wing mirror reportedly broke off and was left at the scene.

"The incident has been filed pending any further information coming to light."

Sue Pope, a resident of Oliver Road, has been one of the residents campaigning for better signage and more safety measures on the bridge.

She said: "He suffered injuries to his ribs, and severe bruising, and struck by the passenger side mirror with such force that it broke away from the van and fell onto the pavement.

"The driver did not stop - simply drove away."

She added: "Speed and aggressive behaviour have increased during the the last few weeks which has made it particularly difficult for pedestrians on the footpath who, in trying to maintain the correct distance from each other, have had to step into the road, with many drivers not making allowances for this.

"This situation cannot continue. Someone in authority needs to take responsibility for resolving this."