THE elderly motorcyclist involved in a collision in Purbeck on Tuesday sustained life changing injuries, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called to the A351, near Corfe Castle amid reports of an accident involving a motorcycle and a car.

Two people from the car, a Renault Captur, were checked by paramedics at the scene.

However, the motorcycle rider, an 82-year-old man from Bournemouth, was taken to Poole Hospital.

Dorset Police say the rider was later transferred to Southampton General Hospital for further treatment.

His injuries are now described as "serious" and "life changing."

Police Sergeant Mark Scammell, of the traffic unit, said: "I have been informed that the collision happened very close to a bus stop and there were a number of people there.

"These members of the public left before officers arrived and I am keen to hear from them as they may have important information that could assist my investigation."

The driver of the Renault, a 52-year-old man from Portland, and his front seat passenger, a 52-year-old woman from Sidmouth, were trapped in their vehicle following the collision.

PC Scammell said: "I am appealing to anyone who was travelling along the A351 at the time of the collision and witnessed the incident or saw the manner of driving of either vehicle to please contact Dorset Police."

The A351 was closed between Furzebrook roundabout and the Halfway Inn at Norden while emergency services dealt with the incident.

South Western Ambulance Service said they were called to the collision at 2.30pm.

The air ambulance also attended the scene.