A MAN is fighting for his life following a serious collision in the Forest of Dean yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred at 2.30pm on the B4234 Forest Road between Whitecroft and Lydney.

The black Vauxhall Corsa left the road and came to rest on its roof, at the bottom of a ravine, close to the Dean Forest Railway site.

The two occupants - both local 18 year old males, freed themselves from the vehicle and flagged down help.

Both men were initially treated at Lydney Hospital, one for minor injuries, however the second male was quickly transferred by Air Ambulance to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he remains in a critical condition due to a serious head injury.

The road remained closed for approximately seven hours while officers from the Tri-Force Specialist Operations Team conducted a detailed examination of the scene.

Forest Inspector Steve Chester said: "It was one of our PCSOs who found the men and realised how serious this was.

"His swift and sensible actions from that point on has probably kept the one man alive.

"We need anyone who hasn't come forward yet to get in contact - and we would also like to hear from anybody who may have information regarding the movements of the black Vauxhall Corsa immediately prior to the collision and particularly from anybody who may be in possession of CCTV or in-vehicle footage."

Police are appealing for any witnesses who have not yet given their details to please get in touch by calling 101 and quoting incident 265 of March 16.