A motorcyclist is in a critical condition after a crash involving a car.

Emergency services were called to the scene - which is on the A591 close to Bassenthwaite - this morning. 

The crash involved a car, driven by a man, from Leicester, and a motorbike, ridden by a woman, 25, from Allerdale.

The female motorcyclist was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where she remains in a critical condition. 

Cumbria Police has confirmed that the family of the woman have been informed. 

There were no other injuries. 

Officers closed the road between the Castle Inn and the Bassenthwaite junction for about five hours, while a 'forensic collision investigation' took place.

A spokesman for the Great North Air Ambulance said: "We flew to the scene at 11.18am this morning to reports of a road traffic collision including a motorcycle.

"We had a doctor and paramedic onboard and we flew to the scene. We took 12 minutes to arrive and treated a patient, before we then airlifted her to hospital for further care."

Cumbria Highways has confirmed that the road has now been reopened.

Anyone with information should contact PC 2458 Defty or SGT Bainbridge 1929 on 101, referring to log 71 of June 11.