POLICE are investigating after a cyclist was left for dead at the side of the road by a hit and run driver.

The male victim was found by a passing motorist unconscious with serious head injuries near the Ashley Heath roundabout at 4.24am yesterday.

He was lying on the westbound carriageway where the A31 meets the A338 to Bournemouth.

Police say it is not known how long the man had been lying at the side of the road before he was discovered and taken to Poole Hospital by paramedics.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "The driver of the vehicle failed to stop.

"We would appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the collision or witnesses who may have seen the cyclist prior to the accident to contact us."

Witnesses should call police on 01202 552099.

The incident is the second hit and run this week in Dorset.

Robert Chrisp of Astbury Avenue, Poole, was thrown across the bonnet of a car and carried for 20m in an incident which happened in North Road in the town.

He was taken to Poole Hospital suspected of having back and internal injuries. After being kept in overnight he was allowed home having suffered bruised kidneys and a grazed left arm.

Police believe the 16-year-old Rossmore Community College pupil may have been the victim of a prank that went horribly wrong.