A MAN died in an early morning collision on the A35.

Dorset Police has launched an appeal for information following the fatal crash on the A35 Sea Road South, Bridport at around 5am yesterday.

A 75-year-old driver died at the scene.

Road closures were put in place from the Texaco Roundabout to the Mitsubishi garage in the town centre for several hours.

Dorset Police said that a white curtain-sided lorry, registered to a company in Milton Keynes and driven by a 46-year-old Derbyshire man, collided with an orange Daewoo Matiz, driven by a 75-year Torquay man.

Officers said the lorry was heading towards the Crown Roundabout on Sea Road South when it collided with the car, which was heading in the opposite direction, between West Bay Roundabout and the fire station.

The driver of the Matiz was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified.

Officers said the lorry driver was uninjured but treated for shock by paramedics and that there were no passengers in the vehicles.

Police Sergeant Dave Stroud, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this collision, or the manner of driving of either vehicle, prior to the incident, to please call me on 101.

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.

“I would like to thank the public for their patience during the road closure while the emergency services carried out their work.”

Residents told of their shock at the accident. A resident of Pasture Way, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s a horrible junction to be honest. It isn’t good.”

West Dorset District Councillor for Bridport South David Rickard said: “We’re always very concerned about any traffic collision and the A35 is always high up in people’s minds.

“I have to say it’s the first time I have heard of a serious accident on that particular stretch.

“An accident is always tragic. My thoughts are with their family at this time.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 4:44, or alternatively witnesses can call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.