A car involved in a hit-and-run crash which left a cyclist seriously injured had been involved in a police pursuit hours before the collision.  

Dorset Police said the pursuit of the gold Vauxhall Tigra, which at just after 4.45am was involved in a serious crash with a cyclist in Poole Road, Westbourne, had ended two hours and 20 minutes prior to the collision.

However, a marked police car was in Poole Road at the time of the crash and the case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A force spokesman said: “The police follow had formally concluded two hours and 20 minutes before the collision.

“As there was a marked police car in Poole Road at the time a mandatory referral to the IPCC was made and it will now investigate the circumstances.

“We now can’t comment further on what that police car may have been doing.”

Officers from Dorset Police were called to Poole Road in Westbourne at the junction with Queen’s Road just after 4.45am yesterday morning.

A man in his 30s was cycling along the road which leads towards Bournemouth town centre when he was involved in a collision with the Tigra.

Bournemouth Echo:

The driver of the car failed to stop and it was found abandoned nearby a short time later, where it was recovered by the police.

The driver has not been located.

South Western Ambulance Service took the cyclist to Poole Hospital for treatment.

A police spokesperson said his condition was not thought to be life-threatening.

A friend of the injured cyclist, who has been named as Jacak Szafranski, 34, said he was in good spirits despite his injuries.

He is currently being treated at Poole Hospital for a broken leg and wrist and several deep cuts, and was due to undergo an operation yesterday morning, said his friend of 15 years Pawel Grodzki, 33.

“He was pretty shocked yesterday morning,” Mr Grodzki said on Friday.

“But when I spoke to him this morning he was better, talking a lot, joking and smiling.

“I think he has family coming from Poland to visit him.

“His injuries are quite serious, but I think we will know more after the surgery.”

Mr Grodzki said his friend was cycling to work at UK Mail, based in Ringwood Road, Poole, at the time of the crash. He moved to Bournemouth some six years ago.

Poole Road was also closed at the junctions with St Michael’s Roundabout, Clarendon Road and Netherhall Gardens while crime scene investigators looked for clues.

Police officers manned cordons to preserve the scene, and staff working in nearby businesses and care homes were directed along the nearby roads.

Bournemouth Echo:

Traffic, including bus services operated by Yellow Buses and Morebus, were directed along Durley Chine Road.

The road closures were lifted and Poole Road was fully re-opened just after 10am.

The damaged bike was seen in pieces at the roadside, along with several evidence bags.

Police Constable Craig Tatton, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “As part of my investigation I have established that a silver van, possibly a Vauxhall Vivaro or a Renault Traffic, and a yellow taxi were travelling along Poole Road at the time of the collision.

“I would urge those drivers, or any passengers, to please contact Dorset Police urgently as I believe they may have important information that could assist my investigation.

“I am still keen to hear from anyone who saw the Tigra being driven in the Bournemouth area prior to the incident or immediately after."

Bournemouth Echo:

Witnesses and anyone with information should call the police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55160162150.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile tariffs may apply.