A MOTORCYCLIST has died and another seriously injured after a horrific collision with a horse on the A31 near Ringwood on Wednesday night.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said at 11pm on Wednesday: "A motorcyclist has died following a serious road traffic collision on the A31 westbound near Ringwood shortly after 6.15pm on Wednesday, January 22.

"Two motorcyclists were in collision with a horse and came off their bikes.

"The men were taken by ambulance to hospital. One of the men has subsequently died of his injuries and the other is in a serious condition.

"The road is currently closed while police investigate the collision and diversions are in place.

"The circumstances of the collision and how the horse came to be on the road are under investigation.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact Eastleigh Roads Policing Unit by calling 101."

The man's next of kin have been informed of his death.

The horse also died as a result of the collision.