A MAN was arrested on suspicion of a dangerous driving offence after a motorcyclist was seriously injured in Christchurch.

Dorset Police received a report at 6.04pm on Wednesday of a two-vehicle crash involving a car and a motorbike at the Purewell Cross roundabout.

Emergency services attended and the road was partially blocked for nearly four hours.

The motorcyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "At 6.04pm on Wednesday, August 21, we received a report of a two-vehicle road traffic collision involving a car and a motorbike at the Purewell Cross roundabout in Christchurch.

"Officers were in attendance with the ambulance service.

"The road was temporarily closed.

"The male motorcyclist was taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

"A 49-year man from Christchurch was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been released under investigation as officers continue their enquiries.

"Officers left the scene at around 10pm."

Hannah, a resident from Southbourne who witnessed the crash said: "The car plummeted into the bush and they didn’t get it out until around 9pm last night. 

"Everyone was talking about it worried as it was a really shocking accident to see and I’m sure anyone who witnessed it must have been traumatised too."

A spokesperson for DWFRS said: "We received a call at 7.22pm with reports of a road traffic collision at Hurn Road, Christchurch.

"Two crews were mobilised, from Christchurch and Springbourne, and firefighters released one female casualty into the care of the ambulance service.

"Our stop was at 7.47pm."