A MOTORCYCLIST who was seriously injured in a crash near Melbury Abbas remains in hospital – but his injuries are no longer believed to be life-threatening.

The victim, a Wiltshire man in his 50s, was hit off his white Ducati bike by a grey Peugeot van on the C13 at Spread Eagle Hill, at around 8am on Monday.

Emergency services were called and he was taken to hospital.

The driver of the van, a 22-year-old man from the Blandford area, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and has been released under investigation as officers continue enquiries into the collision.

Road closures were put in place to allow the emergency services to respond and for an examination of the scene to take place. They were lifted at around 11.30am.

Now Dorset Police officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward following the collision.

Providing an update on Wednesday, a Dorset Police spokesman said the injured man continues to receive treatment in hospital, adding: "His injuries are no longer believed to be potentially life-threatening."

Sergeant Sarah Jones said: “Our thoughts are with the injured motorcyclist and his family and we are carrying out a detailed investigation to establish the full circumstances of this collision.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision, or the manner of driving of the vehicles involved prior to it, to please contact us. I would also like to hear from anyone who might have any relevant dashcam footage.

“Finally, I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding while the road closures were in place. These were necessary to allow the emergency services to respond to the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 18:48.

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