A man has died following a collision between a lorry.

The incident happened at approximately 12.55pm today, Thursday, August 2017, between a Volvo lorry and a pedestrian on Bere Road near to Wareham Forest Tourist Park.

The pedestrian - a 78-year-old local man - was sadly pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of the emergency services and members of the public.

His next of kin have been informed and the coroner notified.

The Volvo lorry, which was travelling towards Wareham from Bere Regis, was registered to Preston-based firm Bowker Transport.

The lorry driver was not injured.

The circumstances of the crash, which took place near a junction of footpaths and caravan sites, are still unclear.

The front of the lorry was apparently undamaged and the victim’s body was on the road to its rear.

No other vehicles were involved.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The road was closed for a number of hours and re-opened just before 5pm.

A number of motorists attempted to make their way past the crash scene and officers had to turn them back, until police community support officers were stationed at the road block.

Police Sergeant Mark Scammell, of the traffic unit, said: “The man's family is being supported by specially-trained officers and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist with the investigation to please come forward.

"I appreciate the road closures may have had an impact on residents and visitors, however the closures were necessary to allow collision investigators to examine the scene and for the emergency services to deal with the incident.

"I would like to thank motorists for their patience."

A spokesman for Dorset Police confirmed the air ambulance was requested and landed at The Silent Woman Inn.

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service said they received a call at 12.46pm to reports of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

The spokesman said: "There was one casualty.

"We attended with two rapid response vehicles and one ambulance. Air ambulance was also in attendance."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 10:221.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org