PORTLAND Beach Road has partially reopened after a serious crash involving a cyclist and a car.

Police said the cyclist has "potentially life threatening injuries."

It happened at just after 7pm and led to the closure of the beach road for more than two hours.

Police have been letting a few vehicles through at a time from each direction so there is a heavy build-up of traffic along the road.

Earlier, traffic was at a complete standstill due to the crash.

The air ambulance was on the scene, below, near to Ferrybridge along with police and paramedic ambulances.

Dorset Echo:

The A354 Portland Beach Road was been closed and there were reports of 'gridlock' with traffic unable to get off or onto the island.

Some people parked their cars by the side of the road.

Parents travelled to the sailing academy this evening to see their children attend the Budmouth College Year 11 prom. They have been left trapped on Portland due to the road closure.

The collision has involved a cyclist who police say has "potentially life threatening injuries." Paramedics have been treating them before they are put in the air ambulance.

The collision happened outside Ferrybridge boatyard.

The air ambulance left the scene with the patient at about 8.15pm.

No other casualties are being treated at the scene.

The scene is being examined by collision investigators.

A Dorset Police spokesman said at 8.45pm tonight: "We were called at 7.07pm to a collision reported to have involved a cyclist and a car. It happened on Portland Beach Road near the Ferrybridge boatyard.

"Police and ambulance crews are on scene and the road has been closed.

"There are potentially life threatening injuries to the cyclist involved."