A man in his 50s has died following a crash on Portland.

The single-vehicle collision involving a white Honda motorcycle occurred just before 3am on Saturday at the island end of the A354 Portland Beach Road.

The rider of the motorcycle, a man aged in his 50s from Nottinghamshire, was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police said that very sadly, he later died in hospital. His next of kin have been informed.

The collision, which happened near the Osprey Quay roundabout at the junction with Coode Way, meant that the beach road was closed for several hours on Saturday with no access to or from the island.

Collision investigators were seen examining the scene as part of the police investigation.

Police later diverted traffic through the sailing academy to help traffic flows before the beach road was full opened again later in the morning.

Officers thanked the public for their 'patience and understanding' while the road was closed.

Cllr Pete Roper, the Mayor of Portland, said: "As a fellow motorcyclist this dreadful news hits me particularly hard. 

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased at this difficult time."

Dorset Police received reports of the accident at 2.43am with the road remaining closed for several hours.

Emergency services attended the scene to safely deal with the incident.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following the fatal crash.

Police Sergeant Lee Savage, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man at this difficult time.

“An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident and I am appealing for anyone who saw what happened, or may have relevant dashcam footage, to please come forward.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who drove through the location from Ferrybridge toward Portland between approximately 2am and 2.45am and may have important dashcam footage to help my investigation.

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

"This is absolutely necessary to allow us to carry out a thorough examination of the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 27:76.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.