A 74-YEAR-OLD man has died after a crash involving two motorbikes near Dorchester.

The incident occurred at just after 9am on Sunday morning (August 10) on the A35 in Winterbourne Abbas.

The road was closed between Winterbourne Abbas and the Monkeys Jump roundabout near Poundbury to allow emergency services to respond to the and remained closed for some time as specialist officers examined the scene.

A 74-year-old man, from Exmouth, Devon, was pronounced dead at the scene, Dorset Police said, with his next of kin informed.

Sergeant Mike Burt, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who sadly died in this collision.

“We know there were a large number of witnesses to this incident, and I am appealing for anyone who saw what happened and has not already spoken to police to please come forward.

“Also, I am keen to speak to any motorists who captured dashcam footage of the manner of driving of other motorists involved or of the moments leading up to the collision to please contact us. You may have vital information to assist our enquiries.

“Finally, I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while the road closures are in place.”

Anyone with information about the crash should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, by email to scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55250118032. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.