A MOTORCYCLIST has suffered ‘potentially life-changing’ injuries after colliding with a car just outside Newton Abbot.

Police, paramedics and the Devon Air Ambulance responded to the 999 emergency at St Marychurch Road just before 7.30am this morning.

A police spokesman revealed the Yamaha bike rider had sustained possible life-threatening injuries in the serious incident.

He added: ‘A number of closures are in place including Connybear Lane and Footland Lane to allow emergency services to attend – including the air ambulance.’

St Marychurch Road, a popular route with commuters, connects Newton Abbot with Barton in Torquay.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area for the ‘foreseeable future’ while emergency crews deal with the incident.

Traffic is building on the nearby South Devon Highway as drivers steer clear of the scene.