OFFICERS are appealing for witnesses to a collision on the A303 - but speculation there was a 'drive by shooting' has been laughed at.

The crash took place around 3.25pm on the A303 westbound at Thruxton Down on Saturday, September 5.

The collision involved a black BMW 530 and a White Toyota MR2. It is believed the Toyota was stationary at the side of the road at the time.

The A303 westbound was closed for several hours following the collision. A 45-year-old London man was taken from the scene by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital where he has since undergone an operation.

He remains in a critical but stable condition.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or the vehicles involved, is asked to contact police on 101 and quote "Operation Silkwood".

A tweet was sent during the ensuing traffic congestion suggesting there had been a shooting, but it is thought the message was sent in jest by a frustrated motorist. However, it was picked up on by a citizen news site.