A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a crash with a car near Blandford.

The collision happened on Sunday evening on the A357 at Durweston and involved an orange Suzuki Swift and a grey Kawasaki motorbike.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 8.30pm.

The rider of the motorbike, a 22-year-old man from Sturminster Newton, died at the scene.

His family have been informed and the coroner notified.

The driver of the Swift, a local woman aged in her 40s, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital.

The road remains closed between Durweston Bridge and Shillingstone, police say.

Sergeant Craig Tatton, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the motorcyclist’s family at this very difficult time.

“An investigation is underway into the circumstances of this collision and I would appeal to anyone who was travelling along the A357 at the relevant time and either witnessed the collision or the manner of riding or driving of the vehicles involved to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also ask these motorists to check their dashcam footage to see if they have anything that may be relevant to my investigation.

“Finally, I would like to thank residents and other motorists for their patience and understanding during the road closures, which are necessary to allow us to establish what happened.”

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 21:461. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.