Cyclist who died on road near Bournemouth Airport 'suffered medical episode'

A CYCLIST who died on a main road near Bournemouth Airport is believed to have suffered a medical episode.

Paramedic teams, including the Dorset and Somerset air ambulance, were dispatched to the incident involving a local man in his 50s on the B3073 Parley Lane, between the airport and the Hurn Bridge junction, around 4.45pm on Tuesday.

However, despite efforts by the medics, along with members of the public and firefighters, to resuscitate him, the casualty was pronounced dead at the scene an hour later.

His family was informed and the matter was passed to the coroner, although his identity had not been revealed by the time the A&T went to press.

Road closures were in place for nearly two hours while emergency services dealt with the incident and police launched an investigation to establish how it happened.

Sgt Phil Lee, of Dorset Police’s traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are very much with the man’s family at this sad time.

“I wish to thank motorists for their patience while Parley Lane was closed while emergency services carried out their vital work and for essential investigation work to take place. It was opened as soon as it was safe to do so.

“While this death is not being treated as suspicious, we are carrying out an investigation to establish the full circumstances.”

He added: “I am appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the cyclist travelling between Hurn Bridge and Bournemouth Airport or any motorists travelling in the area at the time who may have relevant dash cam footage to contact us.”

Anyone with information should call officers on 101, quoting incident reference number 8:307.