FATAL MIDDLE ROAD CRASH CLAIMS LIFE OF 42-YEAR-OLD MAN AND HIS DOG

A 42-year-old man from Newport – and his pet dog – have died following a crash on Middle Road near Swainston, Police have confirmed. It was just before 22:20 last night (Sunday) that emergency services were mobilised to the B3401 Calbourne Road, where a blue Mazda 6 left the road whilst travelling towards the West Wight and collided with a tree. No other vehicles were involved. Sadly, the man sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported at this time. A dog was also in the car and was taken to an emergency vet, but had to be put down due to its injuries. The fatal collision occurred near to Swainston Manor on a section of road covered by trees on either side of the carriageway, as previously reported by Island Echo. Overnight, the attendance of the mainland-based Collision Investigation Unit from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary was requested to conduct a forensic examination of the crash scene, with undertakers arriving shortly after 05:00. Hard road closures were put in place by Island Roads at the junctions of Betty Haunt Lane – near The Blacksmith’s pub – and Elm Lane in Calbourne. However, it is understood Middle Road has since re-opened. Anyone with any information about this collision, or any relevant dash cam or CCTV footage, is asked to call Police onl 101 quoting reference number 44240146250. You can also report information online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.