A motorcyclist is fighting for his life after a crash in Creekmoor, Poole, on Thursday night.

The biker, a 44-year-old local man, was thrown from his silver Suzuki motorcycle on the A35 Upton Road and ended up in a hedge.

Firefighters used cutting tools to create a pathway for paramedics to get to the crash victim.

The motorcyclist was then airlifted to hospital.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said on Friday morning: "The motorcyclist remains in Southampton ITU in a critical condition with severe abdominal injuries and broken bones.

"His next of kin are aware and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers."

The road was shut between Creekmoor Lane and Longmeadow Lane.

The accident, which occurred at around 7pm, happened outside the Creekmoor Park and Ride site.

It is understood the closures will remain in place late into the night.

An ambulance spokesperson said they got the call at 6.56pm following reports that a motorcyclist had hit a hedge.

The spokesperson added that the biker was treated for abdominal injuries and flown by Dorset and Somerset air ambulance to Southampton Hospital.

Two ambulances also attended.

A Dorset Police spokesman said late tonight: "Police investigating a serious collision in Poole are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward – with one man sustaining life threatening injuries. 

"At approximately 7pm, a collision took place involving a silver Suzuki motorcycle on Upton Road, Upton.

"The motorcyclist, a 44-year-old local man, came off of his bike and into a hedge.

"He was airlifted to Southampton Hospital with potentially life threatening injuries.

"Police, fire and ambulance attended the incident and the road has been closed in both directions, from Creekmoor Lane to Longmeadow Lane, while the scene is surveyed by accident investigators.

"It is believed that the victim was riding with a group of motorcyclists at the time of the collision."

Police Sergeant Rhiannon Stroud, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses of the collision to contact me.

“I would also urge anyone who saw the manner of driving of the group of motorcyclists immediately before or after the incident to contact Dorset Police on 101.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their patience while the road closures are in place for recovery to take place.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 18:396. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.