Witnesses and anyone with dash cam footage are urged to come forward after a five-vehicle crash near Winterbourne Abbas today (Friday).

Two motorcyclists have sustained life-threatening and potentially life changing injuries after the crash just after 4pm. It involved a bronze Nissan pick-up, a silver Kia Sportage, a grey Volkswagen Transporter, a grey Triumph motorcycle and a black Aprilia motorcycle.

The rider of the Triumph - a man aged in his 50s from Marlborough in Wiltshire - was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The rider of the Aprilia - a man aged in his 50s from Bristol - sustained potentially life-changing injuries and was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

One other person sustained minor injuries.

The A35 remains closed in both directions between Bridport and Dorchester and is expected to remain closed for several hours while collision investigators examine the scene and police speak with witnesses.

Police Sergeant Lee Savage, of the traffic unit, said: "An investigation into this collision is now underway and I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident, and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact me.

"I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnesses the two motorcycles being ridden eastbound along the A35 from Bridport to Winterbourne Abbas, prior to the collision, and especially anyone who captured either vehicle on dash cam.

"The road remains closed to allow for our examinations to be carried out and I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55210063724.

To stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.