A MOTORCYCLIST has been taken to hospital following a crash near Newport this afternoon (Monday, August 8).

Police were called at 12.40pm to a single vehicle road traffic collision on Downend Road, near the Hare and Hounds pub.

The incident involved a motorcycle, and the male rider was taken to hospital with a suspected ankle injury.

The road has been temporarily closed while police attend.

Southern Vectis' Downs Breezer has been diverted via Arreton.