THE air ambulance landed on the West Cliff this morning after a serious crash involving a biker.

It is understood police are treating the collision, which happened at the junction of Clarendon Road and West Cliff Road, as a potential hit and run.

Clarendon Road remains shut at the junction with Portarlington Road, as well as either side of the scene in West Cliff Road.

Two cars - a green Volkswagen Sharan and a green Peugeot 307 - were involved, as well as a Yamaha motorcycle.

The male rider of the motorcycle has been seriously hurt, police have confirmed.

The VW was allegedly abandoned in Clarendon Road, a little way from the scene of the crash. Earlier this morning, the vehicle's hazard lights were on and the driver's side door was open and it had been parked with the front tyres on the pavement.

Witnesses alleged the driver of that vehicle had made off. The VW, which appears to have sustained damage to the rear, has been cordoned off by police.

Both the motorbike and the Peugeot are seriously damaged. The Peugeot has sustained significant front-end damage and the bumper has been ripped away. 

Debris from the motorbike, which had fallen onto the left at the junction of Clarendon Road, is scattered across the surface of the road.

A second red motorbike is also within the cordon. It is not known if the red motorbike is involved and it does not appear to have sustained damage.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said officers were called to the scene shortly after 8.35am.

An ambulance and a rapid response car also attended. The air ambulance landed around 50 minutes after the crash happened.

The biker, a Bournemouth man, was rushed to Southampton General Hospital. He is in a critical condition.

A 25-year-old from Nuneaton in Warwickshire has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences. He is helping police with their enquiries.

Inspector Matt Butler, of the traffic unit, said: “We are currently examining the scene to establish the exact circumstances of the collision, which means we had to set up a road closure.

“I would like to thank affected motorists for their patience as the closure will have to remain in place for a while longer yet.

“Any witnesses who have not yet spoken with officers are asked to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who saw the manner of driving of the vehicles involved prior to the collision and anyone who has dashcam footage relevant to our investigation.”

Those with information should contact police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 26:133.