A CYCLIST was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after a collision involving a stationary van.

The accident took place on Charminster Road – between the junctions of Malvern Road and Claremont Road – around 11pm on Wednesday, June 23.

The cyclist, a Bournemouth man aged in his 20s, was treated at the scene by paramedics and airlifted to Southampton General Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

Dorset Police are now asking for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

The collision involved a red Vauxhall Combo car-derived van, police said.

Police Sergeant Rhys Griffiths, of the traffic unit, said: "We are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of this collision and I am appealing for any witnesses to please come forward.

"I would urge any motorists who were travelling in the area and have dashcam fitted to their vehicle to please check it for any relevant footage that may assist my investigation.

"Finally, I would like to thank motorists for their patience during the road closure, which was absolutely necessary to enable emergency services to attend the scene in a safe manner and provide medical treatment."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210100419.

Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.