OFFICERS investigating an accident that left a cyclist in hospital with serious injuries have appealed for witnesses.

At around 10.40pm on Saturday, August 12, it was reported that a cyclist had come off her bike on Ferry Road near the Knoll House Hotel in Studland.

The 23-year-old woman was found by the Swanage Coastguard Rescue Team and taken to Southampton General Hospital by the Coastguard helicopter.

Police Sergeant Fern Graham, of the traffic unit, said: “A full and thorough examination of the scene was carried out.

“It has not yet been established whether anyone else was involved or exactly how the woman fell off her bike.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or the manner of riding of the bike before 10.40pm on Saturday, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 12:490.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.