A MOTORCYCLIST has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after a crash outside a New Milton pub.

Police, paramedics and the air ambulance were called to the A337 Christchurch Road at 7.45am on Monday.

A blue Yamaha motorbike was on its side in the carriageway, near the House Martin pub and the Chewton Glen Hotel.

The second vehicle involved was an MG, police say.

The road was closed between Western Avenue and Sea Road and traffic was diverted away from the scene of the crash.

It reopened at around 12.30pm. 

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed at around 6pm that the motorcyclist, a man in his 40s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

It is not thought that anyone else was injured in the incident.

Earlier today, forensic specialists carried out detailed inquiries at the scene and there were a number of other police vehicles there.

Nearby residents said they heard sirens outside their properties just before 8am.

"As far as I'm aware the motorbike was the only vehicle involved," said a resident, who does not wish to be named.

"It looks like it's really serious so I hope the motorcyclist is going to be all right."