A SERIOUS motorcycle crash on the main Sandown to Shanklin road resulted in police closing the road to carry out investigations.

A crash involving a motorcycle occured in the early hours of this morning (Saturday) on Sandown Road at the junction with Cemetery Road.

At around 3am, emergency services were called to the scene and the motorcyclist was rushed to hospital and air lifted to Southampton General.

UPDATE 12:06

Police have issued an appeal for information as they investigate the crash that left the motorcycle rider with life-threatening injuries.

A police spokesperson said: "We are investigating the circumstances of a collision that left a motorcyclist with serious life-threatening injuries on the Isle of Wight.

"We were called at 2.23am this morning (Saturday) by our colleagues from the ambulance service, who were treating a 27-year-old motorcyclist on Sandown Road in Lake at the junction with Cemetery Road.

"He has subsequently been taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.

"His injuries, which include a number of broken bones, are described as life threatening.

"We are still carrying out enquiries to establish if any other vehicles were involved, or whether this was a single vehicle collision.

"Anyone who saw what happened or the Honda motorbike involved in the area before the collision should call 101 quoting 44190101012.

"Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."