A MOTORCYCLIST is fighting for life and a car driver has been arrested following a serious crash in Verwood yesterday.

Dorset Police received a report at 7.49am of a collision at Black Hill, at the junction with Crescent Road, involving a black Aprilia motorcycle and a black Volkswagen Golf.

Officers attended, along with the ambulance service, and the motorcyclist – a local man aged in his 50s – was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment to injuries that were believed to be serious.

It was later reported that he was being transferred to Southampton General Hospital and his condition is believed to be life-threatening. His family has been informed.

A 33-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Road closures were put in place to allow the emergency services to respond to the incident and were lifted shortly after 11am.

Sergeant Mark Scammell, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are of course with the injured motorcyclist and his family at this time and we hope he makes a full recovery.

“We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of this collision and I would urge any witnesses or anyone who was driving in the area at the time and may have relevant dashcam footage to please contact us.

“Finally, I would like to thank members of their public for their patience and understanding while the road closures were in place.”

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 5:122, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.