A MOTORCYCLIST is in hospital with a suspected spinal injury following a fail-to-stop collision near Shaftesbury yesterday.

At around 7.15am officers were called to reports of a crash on the C13 Higher Shaftesbury Road at Spread Eagle Hill between Compton Abbas and Melbury Abbas.

A green Kawasaki motorcycle, registered to a man from Blandford, was travelling toward Compton Abbas when it left the road and flipped into a hedge.

The rider, a 22-year-old man from Blandford, was taken to hospital with a suspected spinal injury.

His condition is not serious.

It is alleged the collision occurred as a blue Mini, travelling in the opposite direction, was overtaking a white articulated lorry on the hill.

Police Constable Nick Manning, of North Dorset Police, said: “The motorcyclist had to take evasive action to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

“Neither the driver of the Mini or lorry stopped at the scene, although it is thought the collision would have been obvious to both.

“I would urge both drivers to please contact Dorset Police immediately."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 3:54.

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