Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after the serious crash near Knockbeg. Image for illustration purposes

A MOTORCYCLIST has been admitted to hospital after a serious crash yesterday afternoon.

The collision between a motorbike and another vehicle happened near the entrance to Knockbeg College soon after 4pm.

The motorcyclist was airlifted to a Dublin hospital with serious injuries following the collision. It is not yet known whether his injuries are life-threatening.

Portlaoise gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the crash, which happened on the road between Sleaty and Athy. It is suspected that a second vehicle may have left the scene of the collision.

The road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident. Gardaí carried out a forensic collision investigation at the site.

Witnesses or anyone with information, particularly those with dashcam footage, are asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station at 057 8674100.