UPDATED: HEAD-ON CRASH BETWEEN MOTORCYCLE AND VAN CLOSES ASHEY

A serious head-on collision between a motorcycle and a van has forced the closure of Ashey Road leading onto and off of The Downs this afternoon (Wednesday). The crash, which occurred at just before 15:20, has seen a male motorcyclist collide into the front of a blue VW Caddy on a bend near West Ashey Farm. The impact is so significant that the windscreen has been smashed through. A critical care paramedic and ambulance crew from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service are tending to the injured motorcyclist. Police have closed the road in both directions between the junctions of Brading Down Road and East Ashey Lane. All traffic is being diverted via Brading. UPDATE @ 16:54 – The motorcyclist has been conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital suffering with a serious injury. His next of kin are aware. The driver of the van has also gone to hospital with glass-related injuries. UPDATE @ 21:42 – Ashey Road has now re-opened in both directions. UPDATE THURSDAY – It has been confirmed that the rider has sustained a broken pelvis as a result of the crash, with further injuries. He has been transferred to Southampton General Hospital for further treatment.