CRASH investigators have called for witnesses to come forward after a motorcyclist was killed on the A419 near Stratton.

The Swindon man, 50s, was riding northbound along the A road on his Yamaha motorcycle when he struck a Kia Sorento car shortly after 6pm on Monday evening north of the A361 Highworth Road junction.

Passers-by described seeing the emergency services performing CPR on the man. One woman called the scene "absolutely devastating".

Despite the efforts of paramedics from Wiltshire Air Ambulance and South Western and South Central ambulance services, the motorcyclist died at the scene. His family has been informed, but the biker is yet to be formally identified by the authorities.

The driver of the Kia Sorento was unhurt in the crash, Wiltshire Police said.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. They are being supported by a specially trained family liaison officer.”

Crash investigators closed the A419 between Dorcan and Blunsdon for more than three hours on Monday night as they probed the cause of the accident. Police have asked any witnesses to contact 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

On Facebook, Kazzarina McSpiers wrote: “So sad. RIP dear friend. We will all miss you.” 

Swindon Advertiser readers added their condolences online. Commenting on the Adver’s website, a Bella165 said: “I went past [on the A419] and it looked really bad. RIP fellow biker. Condolences to the family.”

On Monday evening, another crash caused further delays to A419 commuters. Two cars were involved in an accident near the Dorcan sliproad.

Wiltshire Police was called at 5.45pm after a Toyota Yaris and a Ford Fiesta crashed around 200m north of the Dorcan turning. Nobody was serious injured and the road was cleared by 8pm.