Police officers are appealing for witnesses following the fatal collision.

At 10.11pm on Wednesday 4 October officers were called by the ambulance service to reports of a collision on the B3078 Julians Road involving a car and a bicycle.

The rider of the bicycle, a man aged in his 40s, sustained serious injuries and very sadly died at the scene. His family has been informed and the Coroner notified.

The car involved is reported to be a red Vauxhall Corsa and the driver, a local woman aged in her 20s, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences.

Road closures are in place along Julians Road between the Pye Corner roundabout and the junction of the A31. These closures are expected to remain in place for some time.

Police Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the traffic unit, said: “An investigation into this collision is underway and I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened or witnessed the Corsa being driven immediately after the collision to please get in touch.

“I am particularly keen to hear from any motorists who were travelling along that stretch of the road at the time and may have captured anything of relevance on their dashcam.

“The road is expected to remain closed for some time while we carry out our detailed examination of the area.

“Our thoughts today are with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230157876. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.