Police and Stagecoach have launched an investigation after a man was in collision with a bus in Winchester. 

Passers-by and passengers lifted up a bus to help rescue the man who was trapped underneath the vehicle.

The incident happened at the corner of Middle Brook Street and St George’s Street yesterday just before 5pm.

The man, who is in his 40s, was taken to Southampton General Hospital, was believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries in the incident which happened at around 4.52pm.

Police quickly arrived at the scene and immediately taped off the street to stop passers-by getting close to the incident.

They investigated the crash for several hours before leaving the scene.

The bus involved was a single decker Stagecoach bus which was serving the park and ride car parks.

The firm have confirmed they have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances.

A Winchester resident who was nearby rushed to the scene to try and help.

Bradley Coombes, 31, said: "I heard a thump and saw a gentleman was stuck under the bus, I helped make 30 of the passengers lift up the bus to help him get free."

He said that he urged passengers on the bus to help lift it to free the man, and said the man appeared to be very seriously injured.

An eyewitness, who did not wish to be named, said: "The bus came around and I heard a scream. The driver got everyone off the bus and they moved the bus to try and get him out."

A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: "The ambulance were called and it was reported to us at 4.52pm, the man was stuck underneath the bus, members of the public helped lift the bus and get him out."

Managing Director of Stagecoach South, Edward Hodgson said: "I can confirm one of our vehicles was involved in an incident involving a pedestrian yesterday in Winchester. 

"Our first thoughts are for the injured person, safety is clearly our first priority and we are investigating and assisting the police with their investigation."

A spokeswoman for South Central Ambulance said: "We were called at 16:52pm, an elderly male was under the bus, we sent an officer and an ambulance and he has gone to Southampton General Hospital."

They had no further details about the man's condition.