A BUSY Hampshire road was completely closed for five and a half hours after a serious crash involving a police motorcyclist.

The A337 was shut between Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst after the accident in which a 45-year-old male rider suffered serious but not life threatening injuries.

The crash between the marked BMW motorcycle and a grey Volkswagen Caddy van happened at 12.30pm outside Clayhill House, just south of Lyndhurst.

The officer, a constable, was  on duty and responding to a call to a separate accident between two vehicles when the crash happened.

His immediate family has been informed.

Police closed the A337 in both directions between the A35 Gosport Lane in Lyndhurst and the B3055 Balmer Lawn Road in Brockenhurst for forensic investigations.

Daily Echo:

Northbound traffic was diverted into Balmer Lawn Road.

The closure caused major traffic delays before police reopened the road just after 5pm.

The van driver was interviewed by officer. No arrest was made.

Anyone who witnessed the accident should contact Sergeant Darren Ord of the Eastleigh roads policing unit by ringing 101.

Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.