Coach driver held after Hampshire death crash

A National Express driver has been arrested following the death of a motorist in a crash involving his coach.

The collision between the coach and a blue Volkswagen Polo happened on the A3 at Longmoor, near Liss, Hampshire, yesterday afternoon.

The 78-year-old woman driving the Polo was taken to hospital but died from her injuries. A passenger in the car, a 12-year-old girl, was unhurt.

One of the 29 passengers on the 52-seater coach, which was travelling from London to Portsmouth, suffered whiplash injuries but the others were uninjured, Hampshire Police said.

The A3 was closed southbound until 9pm last night as officers carried out an investigation.

The coach driver, a 32-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of driving without due care and attention and was released on bail after being interviewed by officers, a police spokeswoman said.

A National Express spokeswoman said: "An 030 service from London to Southsea was involved in an incident on the A3 yesterday.

"We are currently supporting the police in their ongoing investigation.

"Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with the family."

PA