POLICE closed the A356 near Dorchester following a three vehicle collision.

The smash, which involved a Landrover, a Nissan Qashqai and a Renault Megane, took place just outside Maiden Newton at around 8.50am this morning.

The A356 was closed at the junction with Benbill Lane and another from the direction of Toller Porcorum. A diversion was been put in place.

Police, fire and ambulance crews remained at the scene while vehicle recovery takes place.

Motorists were urged to avoid the area.

Firefighters worked to release a woman who was trapped in the blue Nissan by removing the roof.

She is believed to have received neck, back and shoulder injuries which are not life-threatening or life-changing. No one else is thought to have been injured.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said some of those involved had been injured in the smash.

The spokesman said the Landrover, is registered to a company from Piddlehinton, the Nissan, is registered to a woman from Dorchester and the Renault to a man from Crewkerne.

The road reopened at around 2.30pm.