AN investigation is underway today after a Hampshire motorcyclist died when he hit a telegraph pole.

The motorcyclist, a 48-year-old man from Cheriton who was riding a grey BMW bike, suffered extensive injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ambulance crews and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance were called to the scene of the incident on the A272 near Bramdean at 4.58pm.

The road was closed in both directions following the incident, which happened between Wood Lane and B3045/Kilmeston Road.

The closure was lifted late last night after police had carried out investigations and reairs on the telegraph pole.

Hampshire Constabulary have appealed for anyone with information to contact the force on 101, quoting Operation Readership.