A CYCLIST was left in a life-threatening condition after coming off his bike in Highcliffe.

The incident, which occurred in Smugglers Lane North near to the shops in Saulfland Drive, was reported to the emergency services at around 5.30pm on Saturday, July 25.

Three police cars as well as two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene, and a cordon was put in place.

The male cyclist, aged in his early 70s, was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital by land ambulance for treatment.

A spokesman for the South Western Ambulance Service said his condition was "life threatening".

A Dorset Police spokesman said the victim had suffered a "medical episode" but it was not known if this was what had caused him to fall from his bike. However, no other vehicles are thought to have been involved in the incident.

A short stretch of the road was closed between Saulfland Place and Rowan Drive for officers to carry out an investigation, with traffic diverted along neighbouring roads.

The road closure left some residents puzzled as all that could be seen was the bike propped against a garden wall. It was lifted at around 7.30pm and the police investigation concluded.

The incident follows a crash on Wednesday night in which a woman suffered a serious head injury after coming off her bike in Corfe Castle.

The 46-year-old from Oxfordshire was cycling near Rempstone Farm at around 11pm.

She was taken to Southampton General Hospital where she was reported to be in a critical but stable condition.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "There was no other vehicle involved. Her husband, who witnessed the accident, is at her bedside."

The ambulance arrived just after 11pm and treated the casualty at the scene.

A spokesman for the South Western Ambulance Service said: "The female casualty who had fallen off her bike was treated for a head injury and was in and out of consciousness at the scene.

"She was taken to hospital at 11.48pm."