DORSET Police faces an investigation after a motorcyclist died in a crash shortly after being in "close proximity" to a police vehicle.

The 21-year-old man, from Bournemouth, died at the scene of the collision last night in Holdenhurst Road.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture: Jose Ramos

The crash, at the junction with Windham Road, happened at around 6pm and involved a green Triumph motorcycle and a white Ford Transit van.

The man's family have been informed and are being supported by police officers.

The driver of the van, a 27-year-old man from Bournemouth, was not injured.

Police said the motorcycle had been in "close proximity to a police vehicle" shortly before the incident and therefore a referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which will decide whether an investigation is opened.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture: Zuzana and Mélissa Therese

Road closures were put in place to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and carry out investigations.

Police Inspector Joe Pardey, of Dorset Police's traffic unit, said: "My thoughts are with the man's family at this difficult time.

"I am appealing for any witnesses to the collision or the manner of driving of either vehicle beforehand to please come forward. I would also ask anyone with relevant dashcam footage to contact us.

"I would like to thank motorists for their patience during the road closure, which is necessary to enable officers to investigate the scene thoroughly."

Bournemouth Echo:

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 22:310. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.