THE cast of Bridport's Ukulele Opera's community theatre production Flea! is in shock after one of its leading lights was left fighting for his life after being found injured on a rural road.

The Echo reported yesterday how police had launched an investigation after a cyclist was found in the road near Crepe Farm House, Symondsbury.

The cyclist, Raja Jarrah, 60, sustained life threatening injuries and is being treated in hospital. It is not known how he came off his bike and police are appealing for witnesses in a bid to establish what happened.

The Bridport Ukulele Opera production, currently on at the Electric Palace until Saturday, is being dedicated to climate change consultant Mr Jarrah and there will be a vigil for him in Bridport's Chapel in the Garden on Sunday.

Flea! producer Sally Vaughan said the whole cast and crew were in shock but wanted to send their best wishes to Mr Jarrah and his family.

She said: "Everybody in the Ukulele Opera Flea! sends their best wishes and thoughts to him.

"Raja was one of the most ardent supporters of Flea! since its inception. When he first got involved he was just so enthusiastic and really helped move it on in the early stage.

"He's a great ukulele player and we all know how much he was looking forward to the performances."

She added: "We've had a really sad few days.

"We have a lot of positive energy going towards him, we are all behind him and we would like to dedicate the show to him.

"His partner said to me in the street three weeks into rehearsal that he was so thrilled about the show and was already saying he didn't know what he was going to do when it is over."

Police were contacted about the road incident at 4.18pm last Friday, and are investigating after Mr Jarrah was found in the road.

PC Stu Smith, of the traffic unit, said: “Even though we have thoroughly examined the scene, it has not yet been established exactly how the man sustained these injuries while on his bike.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or the manner of riding of the bike before the collision, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 19:291. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org