Two people are in a critical condition in hospital after a crash on the Weymouth Relief Road.

The road was closed for several hours today while emergency services were at the scene.

Police have confirmed tonight that a 54-year-old woman from Weymouth is in a critical condition and is being treated at Dorset County Hospital, and a 55-year-old Weymouth man is also in a critical condition. He is due to be transferred to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.

A 36-year-old woman from Weymouth and a 29-year-old Bournemouth man suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital as a precaution. They have since been discharged.

Emergency services were called to Weymouth Relief Road (A354) just before 9.10am today. 

Police, fire and ambulance services were at the scene. 

A blue Vauxhall Zafira and a white Ford Transit van were involved. Firefighters cut people free from both vehicles, a spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service confirmed. 

The man and woman who were not badly injured were the drivers of the two vehicles, while the two in a critical condition were passengers of the Zafira.

Paramedics attended with four ambulances and two rapid response cars.

One person was treated at the scene and three others were taken to Dorset County Hospital. 

Road closures were in place between the Jurassic Roundabout and the Stadium Roundabout near Dorchester. 

The road has since reopened.

Motorists were urged to find alternative routes, and Dorchester police warned that the road could be closed for 'some time'.

Temporary roadworks in Upwey were removed whilst the Relief Road was closed, and roadworks on the A353 Preston Road were also due to cleared. 

Police Sergeant Fern Graham, of the traffic unit, said: "I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the incident to please contact Dorset Police.

"I am particularly interested to hear from anyone who may have been driving along the A354 around the time of the collision who may have dashcam footage, which could assist with my investigation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting crime number 24:84. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The local authority was called to clear a large oil spillage on the road.