A MOTORCYCLIST was seriously hurt in a crash outside a New Milton pub yesterday morning.

Police and paramedics were called to the A337 Christchurch Road at 7.45am after the biker was involved in a collision with an MG car.

The air ambulance also landed nearby.

The male motorcyclist, who is in his 40s, was rushed to hospital.

It is understood that he has suffered ‘serious’ injuries as a result of the collision.

A blue Yamaha motorbike was on its side in the carriageway, near the House Martin pub and the Chewton Glen Hotel.

The road was closed between Western Avenue and Sea Road for around four-and-a-half hours.

Police diverted traffic away from the scene of the crash.

Forensic specialists could be seen carrying out detailed investigations in the closed section of carriageway.

There were also a number of other police vehicles at the scene.

It is not thought that anyone else was injured in the incident.

Nearby residents said they heard sirens outside their properties just before 8am.

“As far as I’m aware the motorbike was the only vehicle involved,” said a resident, who does not wish to be named.

“It looks like it’s really serious so I hope the motorcyclist is going to be all right.”

Motorists faced long delays as a result of the collision, as well as a second crash in Christchurch.

Police shut Ringwood Road between the A35 Lyndhurst Road in Hinton and Walkford Road after a collision involving three cars.

At the time the closure was established, officers said the road would be shut for some time because of a fuel spillage. It reopened just after midday.

No one was seriously injured, although paramedics were called to the carriageway.

Another crash was also reported in the New Forest village of Burghclere at 9.05am yesterday. Two cars were involved. However, no serious injuries were reported and police were able to direct traffic around the collision.