The incident was reported to police at 9am on 11 April. It involved a Toyota RAV4 and a female pedestrian in her 30s.

The woman was pushing a pram at the time. She was taken to hospital with a life-threatening head injury and remains in hospital in a critical condition. The baby was taken to hospital as a precaution, but did not sustain any injuries.

It is alleged that the driver of the car, a 38-year-old man from the New Milton area in Hampshire, did not stop at the scene and he was subsequently arrested.

Following enquiries by the traffic unit, he has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road traffic collision and driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level is above legal limit. He is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 13 April 2023.

Police Sergeant Richard Stroud, of the traffic unit, said: “Following a detailed investigation, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges.

“Our investigation is continuing and I would like to thank everyone who has provided information so far.

“I am now appealing to a member of the public who was jogging in the area at the time to please come forward as they may have important information help our enquiries.

“I would like to remind the public that this matter is now the subject of active court proceedings and it is important to stress that there should be no commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 11:111. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.