Investigations are underway today into the death of a motorcyclist in Southampton.

The rider, in his 50s, died after he was in collision with a car during rush hour.

The accident happened at the Shirley Road junction with Paynes Road.

As reported it caused major tailbacks across the city as police shut Shirley Road in both directions while investigations were carried out.

It involved a blue Kawasaki motorcycle and a grey Vauxhall Astra at about 5.30pm outside St Mark's School.

The motorcyclist suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The rider was given CPR by paramedics at the scene before he was put into the back of an ambulance.

The driver of the Astra, a 27-year-old man, was uninjured and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and remains in custody.

A 300 metre cordon was in place for around three hours while around 30 police officers carried out investigations.

Traffic was diverted via Waterloo Road while the car - which had damage to its front end - blocked the road.

Sergeant Richard Grant from the Totton Roads Policing unit said: “This is a very serious collision that has resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.

“I would like to thank people in the local community for their patience while we investigated the scene which required us to have the road closed for approximately three hours. We re-opened it as soon as possible.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or either of the vehicles prior to it, to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Grant at the Totton Roads Policing unit, quoting Operation Tollbar, on 101, or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.