POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a fatal crash and believe the occupants of a green car could hold important clues.

Tragically the crash on the A31 between Winterbourne Zelston and Bere Regis on Monday March 24, claimed the life of a Dorset father.

The small green hatchback is not implicated in the crash in any way, but police are keen to speak to the driver and any occupants as it’s believed they may have taken avoiding action. They are also keen to speak to any other witnesses.

Police officers said the collision, in which a blue Subaru car travelling west overtook a heavy goods vehicle and collided with a Skoda travelling in the opposite direction, occurred at around 5.55pm.

A spokesman for the police said: “The impact forced the Skoda back into the hedge at the side of the road and caused the driver to sustain fatal injuries. The two passengers in the vehicle received serious injuries which required hospital treatment.

“The Subaru car also collided with a black Mercedes, before coming to rest in the middle of the road.”

Tributes have been paid to Sturminster Marshall father Michael Brown, who died in the crash.

Mr Brown had been travelling with his wife and young daughter in the Skoda when the collision happened. Both received serious injuries, but have since been discharged from hospital.

Friends and neighbours of Mr Brown described him as ‘a lovely man’ and a ‘true gentleman’.

Police officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision and are keen to speak to the driver, and any passengers, of a green hatchback style car that was at the scene but did not stop – possibly unaware of the events that followed.

Police Sergeant Jon Wren, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “During the early stages of the Subaru’s overtake it appears that a small green hatch back car may have been forced to take avoiding action.

“We would very much like to hear from the driver or passengers from this car.”

He added: “They are not implicated in the collision but may be important witnesses to our investigation. I would urge them to get in contact with police as soon as possible.

“Any witnesses that have not already spoken to the police should call the non-emergency number 101 and ask for PC 1294 Chris Smith from the Poole Traffic Unit.”

A 28-year-old man from Taunton, Somerset, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, he has been bailed while enquiries continue.