A WOMAN in her 70s is fighting for life after a collision involving a waste collection lorry in Purbeck yesterday morning.

The casualty was riding a bicycle when she was involved in a crash in Corfe Road, Stoborough, near Wareham at 8.45am.

She suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to Southampton General Hospital.

Her family has been informed and are being supported by officers.

Road closures have been put in place to allow emergency services to deal with the incident.

Sergeant Nikki Burt, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT), said: “Specialist officers remain at the scene carrying out a detailed investigation into the circumstances of this collision."

She called for any witnesses who may have seen either the vehicle or cyclist prior to the collision to come forward if they have not already spoken to police. 

“I would also urge 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," Sgt Burt said.

“Finally, 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 police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting 30:63.