UPDATED: The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is this morning (Saturday) attending a serious road traffic collision between a motorcyclist and a car on The Downs near to Knighton.
Emergency services are currently attending the scene on The Downs Road between the junctions of Brading Down Road and Knighton Shute, where it is understood a motorcyclist has been involved in a head-on collision with a Mazda 2 car.
Crews were called to the scene at just after 10:30.
The air ambulance has landed on the carriageway and onboard doctors and paramedics are working alongside the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service to treat the injured motorcyclist.
Firefighters from Ryde have attended the incident, however have since returned to station.
The road is closed in both directions, with motorists being advised to find an alternative route and to avoid the area.
UPDATE @ 11:30 – Emergency services, including the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, remain at the scene of the serious collision.
UPDATE @ 11:50 – The motorcyclist – a local man – has been airlifted to Southampton General Hospital by the air ambulance, which has left the scene in the last few minutes.
The extent of the injuries sustained by the motorcyclist, who was riding a Honda 900 Hornet, is currently unknown.
An investigation into the collision is underway, however it is not thought that mainland investigators are being requested.
The road remains closed and Police are advising motorists to avoid the area.
Please avoid the Downs road near Knighton Shute due to a serious incident between a motorcycle and a car. #congestion
— Isle of Wight Police (@IOWightPolice) March 14, 2015
UPDATE @ 14:35 – 4 hours after the incident took place, The Downs Road has now reopened in both directions.
One male remains in hospital in Southampton.