A 65-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist was killed in an accident at the Beaminster Tunnel.

Emergency services were called at around 10.15am yesterday to the A3066 and the road was closed for five hours while emergency services worked.

Dorset Police said a 65-year-old man from Wincanton died after he lost control of his motorbike and collided with the Beaminster Tunnel parapet.

Eyewitnesses described seeing a police car and van on the scene close to the tunnel and the two roads leading to Tunnel Road were blocked off with cones.

A recovery truck with a crane also arrived at the scene and took away the motorbike.

Investigators took measurements on the road outside the tunnel, witnesses said.

Chief Inspector Guy Shimmens of Dorset Police said: “At approximately 10.15am hours on Sunday, a single vehicle fatal road traffic collision occurred at Beaminster on the A3066 at the north entrance to the Beaminster Tunnel.

“At this time a green Honda motorcycle was travelling towards Beaminster when the rider lost control and collided with the tunnel parapet.

“The rider, a 65-year-old male from Wincanton, sadly died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

“The road was closed for several hours whilst the emergency services attended.”

He added: “Witnesses to either the collision or manner or riding prior to the collision are asked to contact PC 2464 Tatton at Dorset Police traffic unit on 101.”

The air ambulance and land ambulances were called to the crash.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “We received a call at around 10.20am to a report of a road traffic collision involving a male on a motorbike.

“We send the air ambulance and a number of other resources.”

Unfortunately there was nothing paramedics could do and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Chairman of Beaminster Town Council, Gilbert Berry sent condolences to the family of the man.

He said: “I am so sorry to hear this. I'm sorry for the family and my condolences to them.

“It's always terrible when somebody loses their life in such a tragic accident.”

Anyone with information should contact police.