A motorcylist is fighting for life in hospital following a crash involving a tractor on a rural road.

Police were called to the collision in Long Lane near Puddletown, by the junction with Druce Lane, at 12.30pm on Saturday.

A tractor and a red Ducati motorcycle were involved.

Firefighters and paramedics also attended and the air ambulance was called to the scene.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "The motorcyclist, a man aged in his 40s from the Dorchester area, sustained serious injuries and was taken by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital.

"His condition is believed to be life threatening.

"His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers."

Road closures have been put in place to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and for an examination of the scene to take place. 

Witnesses are now being urged to come forward following the crash.

Sergeant Mark Scammel, of the traffic unit, said: “We are carrying out a detailed investigation into the circumstances of this collision and I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to contact us.

“I would also appeal to any motorists who were travelling in the area at the time and have dashcam fitted to their vehicle to please check their footage for anything relevant.

“I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding as the road closures are in place. These are absolutely necessary to allow the emergency services to respond and for us to carry out an examination of the collision scene.”

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 incident number 21:166.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.