POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol on Tuesday June 4 in a critical condition after a crash on the A36.

They have urged witnesses to come forward following the collision on the A36 at the junction with the B390 to Chitterne near Knook.

The collision occurred at around 8.15am and all three emergency services attended the scene. Police said a motorcycle and blue VW Polo were involved.

A police spokeswoman said: "The male rider of the motorcycle was airlifted to Southmead Hospital and his family have been informed."

The female driver of the Polo was not injured but was taken to Salisbury District Hospital by land ambulance.

The road was closed in both directions for several hours while police investigators examined the accident scene.

Closures were put in place at the Heytesbury roundabout and the Upton Lovell crossroads and drivers were advised to find an alternative route.

A spokesman for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said fire control received a call from the ambulance service to a road traffic collision involving a car and a motorcycle on the Knook trunk road at Knook.

"Warminster Fire Station attended for scene safety. Whilst there they also assisted with traffic duties and casualty care.

"One casualty was then taken to hospital via air ambulance. The incident was under control by 9.30am in a fire service capacity."

A South Western Ambulance Trust spokesman said: “We were called at 8.12am to attend a road traffic incident, reportedly involving a motorcyclist and a car, on the A36 near Heytesbury, Warminster.

“A male patient was conveyed to Southmead Hospital by air ambulance. Another patient was transported to Salisbury District Hospital by land ambulance.”

Wiltshire Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision. Call PC Mark Cargill on 101 quoting log 55 of June 4 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.