A man sustained a serious back injury this afternoon in a traffic collision involving a car and a motorcycle in Smith’s.

The crash appeared to take place by the Flatts Post Office.

A police spokesman said just after 4pm it was understood that the car was pulling into Middle Road while the motorcycle was travelling in an eastern direction on Middle Road.

He added: “The male bike rider is said to have sustained serious back injuries. The female motor car driver was not believed to have been injured.

“The roadway is currently blocked with eastbound traffic being diverted down Store Hill and onto North Shore Road, while westbound traffic is being sent along North Shore Road.

“Motorists are urged to exercise caution when approaching these diversion points and follow the instructions of officers directing traffic.”