A CYCLIST has been rushed to hospital after a serious crash earlier tonight.

The incident happened half way along Queen's Drive, outside the ambulance station, in the lane heading away from the town centre.

The Adver understands that the crash involved one cyclist and a silver Volkswagen hatchback.

The hatchback sustained damage to its front bumper, bonnet and windscreen.

The bike was also severely damaged.

Paramedics raced to assist the cyclist who is understood to have sustained serious injuries.

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance helicopter landed nearby and the onboard critical care medics joined their colleagues in providing urgent treatment at the road side.

The cyclist was taken by land ambulance to the Great Western Hospital just before 9.30pm and the Adver understands he was then flown to the Major Trauma Centre at Southmead Hospital later in the evening.

Queen's Drive was initially closed in both directions but is now reopen in the direction of the Magic Roundabout.

The carriageway closest to the ambulance station remains closed and is not likely to reopen until the early hours of the morning.

Wiltshire Police collision investigation specialists are at the scene as officers begin to piece together the clues as to how the crash occured.