A motorcyclist was today fighting for his life after being thrown from his bike in a rush hour accident on the outskirts of Stafford.

The 37-year-old man from Stafford, who has not been named by police, had to be airlifted to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery after suffering serious head injuries.

He was today said to be in a “critical but stable” condition at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent.

The accident happened at 6.10pm yesterday on the A518 between Sundown Drive and Derrington Lane.

The motorcyclist was heading towards Haughton and Gnosall when his bike careered off the road and hit a grass verge, throwing the rider off.

Sergeant Barry Dutton, of Staffordshire Police, said no other cars or bikes were believed to have been involved and it was not thought the road surface was wet at the time.

The man, who was wearing a helmet, underwent emergency surgery at the hospital. He is currently sedated and is on a ventilator.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or saw the black and red Kawasaki 200cc being ridden immediately before the accident is being asked to contact Sgt Ben Foster or Pc Dave Ali at Stone Police Station on 08453 302010.

Police and the county council have already joined forces in a campaign to cut the rate of motorcycle accidents on Staffordshire’s roads. In 2007 there were 16 motorbikers killed, 66 seriously injured and 294 had minor injuries across the county.