TWO people received slight injuries after a motorcycle accident in East Dorset this afternoon.

The A31 at Wimborne has now reopened both ways following a collision between two motorcyclists who were travelling together.

It is believed one went into the back of the other after the first motorcyclist braked.

The rider of the first bike, and a pillion passenger on the second, were treated for minor injuries.

The crash was reported to police at 4.45 pm and is causing traffic tailbacks for rush-hour commuters at the Lakes Gate roundabout.

PC Andy Fields of Poole Traffic Unit said the collision occurred after a car slightly pulled out of the Esso garage to turn right.

However, the motorist did not complete the manoeuvre.

"This incident involved four riders travelling back to the Isle of Wight from the West Country," he said.

"The car started to leave the petrol station but then came to a stop. The first rider travelling alone managed to stop, but the second rider, who had a passenger riding pillion, was unable to stop."

He called on motorists to keep an eye out for motorcyclists, and for everyone on the road to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

A Dorset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said they hadn't been called but a duty officer passing the scene had assisted paramedics and police officers tending to two casualties.