TWO motorcyclists in their 20s have died following separate fatal crashes on Dorset roads within less than two hours of each other.

Emergency services were called to two serious collisions on Sunday, June 14, near Chickerell and Dorchester, both involving motorcycles and both ending in tragedy.

The first crash happened at 10.22am on the B3157 Chickerell Hill, near Bagwell Farm Touring Park. Dorset Police said the collision involved a white Toyota van and a green Kawasaki motorbike.

Very sadly, the rider of the motorcycle, a 24-year-old man from Weymouth, died at the scene. His family has been informed and HM Coroner notified.

The driver of the van was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Road closures were put in place between the Fleet roundabout and Nottington Lane while emergency services responded and collision investigators examined the scene.

Sgt Dan Yates, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the motorcyclist’s family at this very difficult time.”

Less than two hours later, at 11.57am, police were called to a second fatal collision on the A353 at Poxwell, near Dorchester.

The incident involved a Suzuki motorbike and a silver Vauxhall Zafira.

The motorcyclist, a 22-year-old local man, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed.

Two people travelling in the Vauxhall were taken to hospital with injuries believed to be serious.

Sgt David Cotterill, also from the Roads Policing Team, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the motorcyclist who sadly died and we will be carrying out a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances of this collision.”

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage relating to either crash to come forward.

Anyone with information about the Chickerell collision should quote occurrence number 55260087901.

Information relating to the Poxwell crash should quote 55260087933.