Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from a road rage incident where a cyclist was knocked from his bike by a hit-and-run driver.

The incident took place at around 5:20 last night, on Sancreed Road, in Poole.

The cyclist was riding on Herbert Avenue when he saw a driver, in a dark blue hatchback, using their mobile phone when stopped at traffic lights.

He knocked on the window of the car to tell the driver to put their phone down.

Police say the driver began to shout at the cyclist and, when traffic began to move again, followed him into Northmere Road and into Sancreed Road, where the car collided with the rear of the bike.

The cyclist, a man aged in his 50s, was wearing a high visibility jacket and had flashing lights on the front and back of his bike. He sustained injuries that were not believed to be serious, and the car reportedly made off from the scene without stopping.

Police Constable Matthew Batter of Poole Police said: “This was a very distressing incident for the cyclist involved and we are carrying out a number of enquiries into this matter.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened or may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage to please get in touch.

“I would also urge the driver involved to please do the right thing and come forward so we can take your account.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220189695. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.