PART of the A35 in West Dorset was closed for nearly three hours after three separate car crashes, police said.

One man was taken to hospital with a broken leg and firefighters had to free three people following the smashes.

Police closed the road between the Lyme Regis and Charmouth roundabouts as all five vehicles involved were recovered.

The first two-vehicle collision happened shortly after 6.15pm on Tuesday on the A35 Charmouth bypass. A black Toyota Auris, registered to a Seaton woman, and a green Ford Ka, registered to a Weymouth man, were involved.

Shortly after the first crash a second smash occurred on the opposite side of the road, Dorset Police said.

A blue Nissan Note, registered to a Weymouth man, was in collision with a white Renault Clio, registered to a Weymouth man.

Five people were injured in the crashes, and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said three had to be released by fire crews.

An elderly motorist in the Renault Clio was treated for chest pains at the scene.

The Ford Ka driver suffered a broken leg and was taken to Dorset County Hospital.

Police said another single-vehicle crash happened soon after, near the Monkton Wyld turning.

A black Hyundai Getz, registered to a Lyme Regis man, mounted the roadside verge but no-one was hurt.

The road was reopened shortly before 9pm, after all five vehicles had been recovered.