A CYCLIST has died following an accident on the A351 near Wareham.

The smash, involving the rider and a blue Renault Clio car happened at 8.10pm, on Thursday.

Paramedics and police attended the scene, but sadly the man - believed to be a Wareham resident in his mid-forties - died of his injuries.

Both the car and the cyclist were travelling in the same northbound direction.

The cyclist is believed to have been riding with a friend at the time of the collision.

Crash investigators sealed off the road for six hours so they could carry out a detailed examination of the scene.

Traffic was diverted around the crash site until 2.20am.

The collision occurred close to the rear of Purbeck Sports Centre.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who saw the blue Renault Clio or two cyclists riding together art this time are asked to contact Dorset Police.”

An 18-year-old Wareham man, arrested in connection with the incident, has been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Witnesses call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222.