A MAN has been injured after plunging from a railway bridge in Dorchester.

Police and ambulances rushed to Damers Road this afternoon after members of the public reported the fall.

It is believed the man fell about 20ft.

The man, a 26-year-old from Bridport, suffered 'serious injuries' police said.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to nearby Dorset County Hospital.

Police are unable to confirm whether the injuries are life threatening.

The incident prompted police to close Damers Road at the railway bridge for about an hour this afternoon while an investigation was carried out.

The bridge carries the Weymouth to Bristol railway over Damers Road and is close to Dorchester West station.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "At 1.30pm today, Dorset Police received a report from the ambulance service that someone had fallen from the railway bridge, situated opposite the Ghurkha Inn on Alexandra Road in Dorchester.

"It is not believed that anyone else was involved, however, the police are investigating the incident to ascertain exactly what happened. The Great Western Road and Damers Road, at the junction with Williams Road, were closed to allow them to conduct their enquiries. The roads were re-opened at 2.20pm.

"A 26-year-old Bridport man sustained serious injuries in the fall and has been taken to Dorchester County Hospital."

South Western Ambulance said they were called by a member of the public who saw the man fall.

Two land ambulances were sent to the scene.

A spokesman said the man suffered back and arm injuries.

Tracy Baker, 45, from Profile Hair Salon said: "I think police arrived about an hour ago and there were 3 or 4 police cars, and ambulance and a fast responder vehicle. Police were up on the bridge looking around. We did see a car drive straight through the cordon, I guess they didn't see the tape."

A resident who lives on the road and did not wish to be named said: "All I heard is that a man tried to stop someone that they thought was trying to jump off the bridge. There weren't any vehicles involved.

"I saw 3 police cars blocking the road at one end and two at the other end, as well as an ambulance. I did see a car go straight through the cordon and break it, but they managed to stop it by the fish and chip shop."