A CYCLIST was the victim of a hit-and-run crash that closed one of Poole town centre’s main feeder roads during Tuesday's morning rush hour.

Police said the 50-year-old Poole man was cycling along Parkstone Road, towards the Civic Centre, at around 8.30am when he was involved in a collision with a white van.

The van then left the scene without stopping.

The male cyclist suffered head injuries and a broken collarbone, and was taken to nearby Poole Hospital.

His injuries were not life-threatening.

Police kept the road shut while the cyclist was assessed by medical staff.

The closure caused knock-on effects through the town centre and its surrounding areas as commuters attempted to get to work.

Traffic coming in from the east, though Parkstone, Ashley Cross and from Sandbanks, was reduced to a crawl.

Drivers were also delayed coming from the other side of town, with queues back into Hamworthy.

The road was eventually re-opened by 9.50am, though traffic took some time to ease.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Call 01202 222222.