Police hunting motorist who drove off from three-vehicle smash

POLICE are hunting a driver who failed to stop following a three-vehicle collision on the A31 near Burley which resulted in a fire and left a motorcyclist badly hurt.

The alarm was raised at around 3.20am today (Thursday), with reports a Honda Civic and a motorbike collided with each other on the eastbound carriageway, just past Burley Services, before a van then collided with the bike.

As a result of the impact, the van overturned and both it and the bike caught light. The Honda left the scene before emergency services arrived.

Having suffered serious injuries, the rider, a 22-year-old man, was taken by ambulance to hospital.

The van and the bike were both destroyed by the flames.

Police have launched an investigation into the collision and are urging any witnesses to come forward.

A force spokesperson said: “We were called at 3.24am with reports of an overturned vehicle on fire on the A31 eastbound, just past Burley Services.

“Initial enquiries indicate a Honda Civic and a motorbike collided on the road, before a van subsequently collided with the motorbike.

“The van overturned, and both the van and the motorbike caught fire. The Honda did not remain at the scene.

“The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital.”

Anyone with information should contact officers on 101, quoting crime reference number 4200241528, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.