A CYCLIST has been killed in an accident along one of Purbeck’s busiest roads.

The rider, a man in his forties, was in collision with a car which was travelling in the same direction along the A351, near Wareham.

It happened close to the rear of Purbeck Sports Centre at 8.10pm, on Thursday.

Paramedics rushed to the scene, but the rider – believed to be from the Wareham area – died of his injuries.

Police, who have appealed for witnesses to come forward, say the Renault Clio involved – driven by a teenager – was travelling in the same northbound direction as the cyclist.

The cyclist is believed to have been riding with a friend at the time of the collision.

Accident investigators sealed off the road for six hours so they could carry out a detailed examination of the scene.

Traffic was diverted around the crash site until 2.20am yesterday.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the blue Renault Clio or two cyclists riding together at this time are asked to contact Dorset Police.”

The victim will not be named officially by police until next of kin have been informed An 18-year-old Wareham man, arrested in connection with the incident, has been released on police bail while enquiries continue. Witnesses should call Dorset Police on 01202 222222.