AN ELDERLY woman is fighting for her life after she fell off her bicycle in West Dorset.

Emergency services rushed to South Street in Bridport shortly before 2pm today after the woman, believed to live locally and in her 70s, fell off her bike when it hit the kerb and suffered life-threatening injuries.

She was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with serious head injuries and a fractured pelvis.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Devon Air Ambulance both attended the scene, as did a land ambulance and a first responder from the South Western Ambulance Service.

Dorset Police were also called to the incident to close the road off as the emergency services worked.

It is believed the woman hit the kerb as she was riding her bike between Morrisons supermarket and the Crown Roundabout on South Street, causing her to fall off.

It is understood that no cars or any other vehicle was involved in the incident.

Dorset Police have launched a witness appeal following the crash.

Speaking at the scene, PC Nigel Arak-Newman said: “An elderly lady has been airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries after falling off her bike.

“No cars or other vehicles were involved in the incident."

Police Constable Paul Rogers, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “From our examination of the scene and speaking to witnesses we do not believe that any other vehicle was involved.

“However, I am appealing to anyone who saw the cyclist at the time of the incident to please call me on 101.

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.”

A spokesman for Dorset Police added: “We were informed by the ambulance service of the incident at 2pm.

“An elderly woman who was riding her bike seems to have hit the kerb and because of the way she hit it, has fallen off her bike.

“Because of the way she fell off her bike, she sustained serious injuries."

Dorset Police closed the road from the Crown Roundabout and the Morrisons junction, with officers diverting traffic for more nearly two hours when the road reopened at 3.30pm.

Motorists faced lengthy tailbacks following the incident, with the surrounding roads becoming clogged with traffic.

People from nearby houses gathered on the street to see what was happening.

One man, who did not wish to be named, said: “No-one seems to have seen anything happen.

“We all heard the air ambulance and came out to see what was going on.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 31:175. Alternatively, call anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.