FIREFIGHTERS were called out after a vehicle caught fire following a collision on a rural road near Dorchester.

The two vehicle collision occurred at around 6.20pm this evening near Lower Lewell Farm on the road between West Stafford and Crossways.

Three fire engines attended the scene as it was feared the occupants of the vehicles may have been trapped.

On arrival they found one of the vehicles was alight and the fire was in danger of spreading to the other, while the drivers had been helped clear by passers by.

The fire crews were able to get the flames under control and the occupants of the two vehicles were both taken to hospital by ambulance.

Dorset Police were called to the scene and the road was closed for several hours while officers carried out collision investigations.

The vehicles involved were a Ford Focus and Vauxhall Vectra estate, both driven by local men.

A police spokesman said both drivers sustained serious injuries.

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the vehicles beforehand to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 386/23.