A CYCLIST has died following a road crash involving a van on a main road.

Last night, police officers were called to the A31 in the north of Hampshire after a report of a collision between a bicycle and a white Ford Transit van near the junction with Station Road.

The cyclist, a man aged in his 40s from Hampshire, was taken to hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced dead.

Immediate next-of-kin have been informed. Police won't be in a position to release the name of the deceased man until formal identification procedures are completed.

The van driver, a man aged in his 20s from Hampshire, was not injured. He was later arrested, and is being interviewed at a police station about the collision.

Both carriageways on a section of the A31 near Bentley were closed for a short time while emergency services responded.

The Surrey-bound side of the A31 remains closed until beyond midnight this morning while police conclude an examination of the collision scene for evidence.

Hampshire Constabulary would like to thank everyone who has assisted with the investigation so far.

Officers are appealing for further witnesses to the collision itself - which happened at 7.26pm last night - or the movements of a white Ford Transit van and a bicycle immediately beforehand.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) at Eastleigh police station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Realm  Mini-com users can phone 18001 101.

Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.