A BIKER is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after colliding with a car and a road barrier.

The 42-year-old man from Chard, Somerset, was in collision with a grey BMW on the A35 at Charmouth at around 5.25pm today.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said the motorcyclist, riding a yellow Aprilia bike, has 'serious injuries described as life-threatening,'

He collided with the car and then the barrier of the Charmouth bypass, she said.

The BMW driver, a 47-year-old man from the Southampton area, suffered slight injuries.

The biker was taken to Taunton Hospital.

Any witnesses who saw the manner of driving before the collision are asked to contact PC Smith of the Weymouth traffic department on 101.

The A35 was closed in both directions following the smash.

A diversion was in place through the centre of Charmouth.