AN independent investigation has been launched after a motorcyclist died in an accident close to a mobile speed camera on Saturday morning.

The incident closed a long stretch of the A338 and caused traffic chaos for hours around Bournemouth.

Police were called to the northbound Cooper Dean Flyover at 9.26am on Saturday to find a black Suzuki motorbike had crashed.

The rider – who has not yet been identified – was pronounced dead at the scene.

Both sides of the road were closed for several hours before the southbound carriageway was reopened at lunchtime on Saturday.

The northbound stretch stayed shut for almost seven hours while experts combed the scene for clues as to what happened, reopening at around 4pm.

A police spokesman said: “Due to the proximity of a stationary safety camera van at the incident, the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.”

The deceased’s family have been informed and the coroner has been made aware.

The road closure caused traffic problems on many surrounding roads and on the A31 approach to the A338.

Several police cars and an ambulance attended.