A man in his 20s was killed in a hit and run road incident in Romsey last night.
He was found with serious injuries near to The Sun Inn pub on Winchester Hill, shortly after 11pm.
Paramedics fought to save him but he died at the scene.
The police said: "We are appealing for witnesses following a fatal incident on Winchester Hill (A3090), Romsey late last night (Thursday 11 April).
"At this time, it’s believed that a vehicle, which didn’t remain at the scene, was involved in the incident."
The man’s next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway and enquiries are ongoing. The road was closed was closed for several hours to allow for forensic officers to work. It has since reopened.
The death has stunned local people, one of whom raised the issue of speeding traffic.
Hospital worker Liz Newcombe, 55, of Broadlands Road, said: "It's very tragic. I have to say, I'm not surprised on this road, people speed on this road all the time. I think Romsey has an issue with speeding traffic."
Heather Mansfield, 66, of Middlebridge Street, said: "It's horrifying. I don't really know what happened. I just read the headline this morning and it was very shocking. This is the first time I have heard of something like this happening in town. I feel shocked".
Heather Mansfield in Winchester Hill, Romsey (Image: Christopher Atkinson)
Retired care worker Janet Riggs, 62, of St Blaize Park, said: "It's shocking. I've never heard of anything like this happening in town. When you're crossing this road it's really hard to see cars coming.
"As a mum it is devastating to hear".
Ben Hathaway, landlord of the Sun Inn in Winchester Hill, said: "It's awful. Our last customer left at about 1.30am last night and we saw the lights outside. We didn't know what happened until the police came round. We don't know the circumstances. It is not nice for anyone. Hopefully they catch whoever did this".
A police spokesman said: "We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident. Did you witness anything, or were you nearby at the time and recall any vehicle which raised any concerns? Also, do you have any footage which may assist in our investigation, including dash cam, CCTV, doorbell camera or mobile phone?
Anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident number 44240152484.
You can also report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, below;
How to tell us about an existing case or report | Hampshire and Isle of Wight ConstabularyAlternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Additional reporting by Christopher Atkinson
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