A MOTORCYCLIST was taken to hospital after there were two crashes in two hours on the Puddletown bypass.

The first accident happened at around 6pm on Friday on the westbound carriageway of the A35 at Yellowham Hill.

Two cars were involved in the collision which police said was a minor injury incident.

The second crash happened less than two hours later on the same stretch of road, which was still closed while police were working on the scene.

A motorbike and a Ford Fiesta were involved in the collision, seriously injuring the 17-year-old biker.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “At 6.17pm there was a minor injury road traffic collision on the westbound carriageway of the A35 Puddletown bypass at Yellowham Hill.

“The collision involved a black Ford Focus and a grey Volkswagen Golf.

“At 7.49pm while police were conducting road closures a further collision occurred between a black Ford Fiesta driven by a 55-year-old woman and a red Honda motorbike.

“The motorbike driver, a 17-year-old local man, was taken to Dorset County Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.”

“We are appealing for any witnesses to either crash to contact the police.”

Anyone with information on the incidents can contact the Police on 101 quoting the reference number 5:445.