A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a crash on the A35.

A major emergency response was needed following the crash on the Puddletown bypass yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, May 24).

Officers investigating the fatal crash near Dorchester are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

READ MOREA35 Puddletown bypass closed in both directions

Bournemouth Echo: The A35 Puddletown bypass, heading eastbound. Picture: Google MapsThe A35 Puddletown bypass, heading eastbound. Picture: Google Maps

Dorset Police received a report at 2.17pm on Tuesday, May 24 of a 'single collision' involving a white Triumph motorcycle on the A35 Puddletown bypass near to Tolpuddle.

The rider of the motorcycle – a man aged in his 50s – sadly died at the scene. His family has been informed.

The road was closed to allow emergency services to deal with the incident. It was fully reopened shortly after 8pm.

Police sergeant Geraint Butler, of the traffic unit, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the man who very sadly died.

"An investigation is underway into this collision and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened to please come forward.

" would be keen to hear from any motorists who may have captured the incident, or the events leading up to it, on dashcam footage.

"Finally, I would like to thank the public for their patience while the road closures were in place. These were absolutely necessary to allow us to carry out a thorough examination of the scene."

"A spokeswoman for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said: “We were called at 2.17pm to an incident near Puddletown and sent three double-crewed land ambulances, a critical care car, an operations officer, a rapid response vehicle and an air ambulance."

A spokeswoman from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Rescue Service said: "At 2.56pm yesterday, we were notified by the police about a road traffic collision on Puddletown Bypass.

"A crew from Bere Regis attended the incident but were released very shortly after arriving on scene as they were not required.

"Our stop came at 3.24pm."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220082602. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.