A MAN is fighting for life after falling from a bridge onto the Wessex Way on Saturday.

Police were first called to the scene following a ‘concern for welfare’ call at 11.45am on Saturday.

They closed a section of the A338 at the junction with St Paul’s Roundabout.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was then called to the scene after receiving reports an adult male had ‘fallen from height’ near the Wessex Way.

The helicopter landed at the scene and flew the man to Southampton General Hospital.

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service said the man is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

Dorset Police confirmed on Saturday that the incident happened at the flyover at the junction of the A338 St Paul’s Roundabout.

A spokesperson said: “We responded to a concern for welfare call. A man fell onto the road and was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital.

“Officers worked quickly to clear the scene.”

They added the incident was not being treated as suspicious.

The road was re-opened just before 1pm.  Motorists were reporting traffic delays as a result of the closure, and there was congestion building towards Lansdowne Road and Charminster Road at Cemetery Junction.

Bournemouth councillor David Smith said he was at Vitality Stadium prior to Saturday afternoon’s game between AFC Bournemouth and Everton when he heard about the incident.

He said: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the injured man at this time. I sincerely hope he makes a speedy recovery.”

He added: “Clearly this was a very distressing incident for the many people who witnessed it.”