A cyclist has been rushed to hospital following a crash on Balham High Road this morning.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) confirmed that the male cyclist had been rushed to a 'major trauma centre' as a priority.

One witness on Twitter claimed that the man was "covered in blood" before calling for more protection for cyclists on roads.

The ambulance crew was called at 8.17am this morning and the road was closed in both directions by police shortly afterwards and remains shut between Bedford Hill and Chestnut Grove.

Tooting's MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan has tweeted about the incident, saying that she is "deeply saddened" to hear about the collision.

Ambulance statement

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 8.17am this morning to reports of a road traffic collision involving a cyclist on Balham High Road.

"We sent an ambulance crew, an incident response officer, a clinical team manager, and two medics in cars. The first of our medics were at the scene in two minutes.

"A man was treated at the scene and taken to a major trauma centre as a priority."

What a witness saw

A cyclist on Twitter says that they went past the incident on the Cycle Superhighway 7.

Harry Bennett ( @HJBennett_ ) described the incident as "pretty horrific" and says that cyclists need more protection.

He said: "Cycled past a pretty horrific accident on CS7 in Balham.

"Looked to be a cyclist covered in blood being attended to by paramedics.

"The wands can only do so much and this stretch is one of the least protected bits. We need full protection."

Road closure

Traffic service Jambuster has said delays are expected following the road closure.

It says: "Balham High Road (SW12) (Both Directions) between Bedford Hill and Chestnut Grove - The road is closed in due to an emergency services incident.

"Use alternative routes. Traffic is slow on approach to the closure. Expect delays."

Dr Allin-Khan tweet

Labour MP Dr Allin-Khan has told people to "take care" after the incident.

She wrote: "Deeply saddened to hear of an emergency incident involving a cyclist on Balham High Road.

"The road is closed from Balham Station to Bedford Hill, so please do find an alternative route.

"And take care."

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