Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital after rush-hour traffic collision

A MOTORCYCLIST was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a collision with a car which shut off a busy main road in New Milton this morning.

Passers-by rushed to help the biker, who was lying in the road following the incident involving an MG car.

The collision took place around 7.45am on the A337 Christchurch Road, by its junction with Barton Lane near the House Martin pub.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight air ambulance was among the paramedic teams dispatched, along with Hampshire Police officers.

After being treated at the scene, the casualty, a man in his 40s, was flown to Southampton General Hospital’s major trauma unit.

A South Central Ambulance Service spokesperson said his injuries were not life-threatening.

No other people were reported to have been hurt.

Christchurch Road was closed between the Sea Road junction and the roundabout by Hoburne Bridge while collision investigators examined the scene.

Rush-hour traffic disruption ensued, with vehicles having to turn around as they headed into New Milton from the Christchurch direction.

At one point traffic was tailed back almost as far as the Chewton Glen hotel. The closure was lifted around 12.30pm.