A CYCLIST has died following a crash near Wareham.

Dorset Police said that sadly, following a crash between a car and a bicycle on Sunday evening on the A352, 58-year-old cyclist Richard Ellis, passed away on Tuesday evening.

A spokesman for the police said: “It is with great sadness to report the 58-year-old male cyclist from Rayleigh in Essex, identified by his family as Richard Ellis, sadly passed away at Southampton General Hospital yesterday evening.”

Officers are still appealing for witnesses to the incident. Officers said that the incident happened at 6.10pm on Sunday.

Officers said that a black Nissan Almera, driven by a 26-year-old woman from Portland, collided with the bicycle, ridden by Mr Ellis.

Mr Ellis was taken by air ambulance to Southampton Hospital. The driver of the Nissan was uninjured.

The road remained closed for several hours while emergency services dealt with the incident.

Police Constable Tim Gooding, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner of driving or riding prior to the collision to contact Dorset Police.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 3:316. Alternatively, witnesses can call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.