A CYCLIST is fighting for his life in hospital after sustaining a serious head injury in a crash with a car in Ferndown.

The 63-year-old man, from Bournemouth, was taken to Poole hospital after the collision on B3073 Ham Lane on Thursday.

The crash, which involved the cyclist and a grey Volkswagen Golf, occurred at around 10.30am.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward. 

Ham Lane was closed for almost six hours hours while police carried out investigatory work at the scene.

The incident took place just west of the turning for High Mead Farm.

Road closures were put in place between Stapehill Road and the roundabout for Haskins Garden Centre at the junction with Ringwood Road.

South Western Ambulance Service said they were called at 10.23am to reports of a road traffic collision involving a cyclist.

A spokesperson said one ambulance and two rapid response vehicles attended.

The driver of the Volkswagen was uninjured.

Police Sergeant Phil Lee, of the traffic unit, said: “The ambulance service first received a call at 10.23am to reports of serious RTC involving a cyclist and a car on B3073 Ham Lane.

“A pedal cyclist, aged in his 60s from Bournemouth, has sustained serious head injuries. He has been taken to Poole Hospital."

A detailed police investigation took place at the scene of the accident, with officers laying markers on the road and examining the vehicles involved.

The road was reopened around 4.30pm.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or the driving of either the car or the cyclist immediately prior to the incident to please contact Dorset Police," Sergeant Lee added. 

“I would also like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have dashcam footage that would assist with my investigation.

“I wish to thank everyone for their patience while the road closures were in place, which are absolutely necessary to allow us to investigate this collision thoroughly.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 11:117. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.