A SWINDON cyclist taken to Southmead Hospital after colliding with the rear of a parked lorry yesterday afternoon is in a critical condition.

The incident occurred just before 4pm on Cirencester Road, Latton, when a black and white racing cycle hit the rear of the lorry, which was parked by the side of the road.

The cyclist, a 54-year-old man, was travelling north west when he collided with the rear of a parked lorry.

Police say he suffered a head injury and broken neck.

He was taken to the Great Western Hospital and then on to the major trauma centre at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where his condition is described as critical.

Police collision investigators closed the road for around three hours to ascertain the circumstances and are appealing for any witnesses who saw the collision to contact them.

PC Phil Tatem, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: "A full road closure of Cirencester Road was put in place to allow specialist officers to carry out a full scene investigation.

"We would like to hear from any witnesses to the collision, or anybody who saw the cyclist prior to the incident. Please call 101 immediately."

Information can also be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.