A 70-year old man has died following a collision with a car on Swanage seafront.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following the fatal collision.

At approximately 8.40am on Monday, April 2 2018, a collision occurred between a beige Vauxhall Zafira and a pedestrian on the beachfront off Institute Road.

Very sadly, the pedestrian – a 70-year-old man from Swanage – was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed and is being treated by specially trained officers. The coroner has been notified. 

The driver of the Zafira, a local woman aged in her 60s, sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital as a precaution. 

The road was closed to allow collision investigators to carry out a full and thorough examination of the scene. 

Police Sergeant Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or has any dashcam footage that can assist my investigation, to please come forward.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw the manner of driving of the vehicle prior to the collision.

“Also, I would like to thank the public for their patience while the closure was in place to allow emergency services to deal with the collision.”

The car ended up on the beach opposite K's Funworld amusement arcade near Institute Road, following the crash. 

Dorset Echo:

Police, paramedics and firefighters attended the scene and the air ambulance was also dispatched.

A crew from HM Coastguard were also called to provide support to police.

A spokesman from South Western Ambulance Service said one casualty was trapped in the vehicle. 

"We were called at 8.41am to reports of a car in the water and teams were on the scene within three minutes. One patient was trapped in the car," the spokesman said. 

Video: Liam Coleman

Car debris lines the pavement between the road and the beach and police remain on the scene. 

The incident occurred on Institute Road northbound near to the junction with Shore Road and Station Road.

Speaking yesterday, a member of staff at Leonard’s Gifts in Institute Road said: “The car is on the beach, but because it’s high tide at the moment you can see the waves are now lapping around it.

"The beach is closed at both ends and all the police and ambulance crews are there.

"The air ambulance has also landed at the main car park.”

Dorset Police were advising motorists to avoid the area.

Dorset Echo:

Liam Coleman who is on holiday in Swanage, said he was walking the dog when he could see the police had cordoned off part of the beach and the seafront.

Pedestrians were able to walk along Shore Road in and out of the town centre.

A police collision investigation van was parked on Shore Road and two officers are carrying out a detailed examination of the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 2:73.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org