A WOMAN died in a rush-hour crash on the A338 Wessex Way on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old was riding a black Yamaha motorcycle when she was involved in a collision on the Richmond Hill sliproad eastbound around 8.35am.

Police closed the road in both directions and the air ambulance landed on the carriageway.

However, the woman, who lived in Bournemouth, died at the scene.

Her family have been informed and the coroner has been notified.

The Wessex Way was closed between the Bournemouth West roundabout and St Paul's roundabout while collision investigators examined the scene and to allow the air ambulance to land safely.

The stretch was shut for more than three hours before the westbound carriageway reopened. The eastbound carriageway has now fully reopened after seven hours.

Sergeant Mark Scammell, of the traffic unit, said an investigation is under way. He called for anyone with information to contact police.

“I am also keen to hear from any motorists who may have captured the incident on dash cam to please get in touch," Sgt Scammell said.

“Finally, I fully understand the road closures would have caused inconvenience to motorists but I would like to reassure them that they were entirely necessary to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and establish what happened.”

Six police cars, one police van, an armed response vehicle, two paramedic cars, an ambulance and a fire engine were called to the scene.

A collision investigation van and crime scene investigators arrived shortly after 10am.

Officers could be seen bringing a drone out of a four-by-four.

To speak to police, visit dorset.police.uk or call 101 quoting 14:79.