THE A354 Weymouth Way was closed in both directions between Chaffeys Roundabout and the Swannery Bridge junction.

The collision happened about halfway along the stretch of road, where a footpath leading from Goldcroft Avenue crosses Weymouth Way. The road re-opened at around 7pm.

Three helicopters attended the scene, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Devon Air Ambulance and the Dorset Police helicopter.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance helicopter was called to the scene at 3.37pm, left its airbase at 3.40pm and arrived on the scene at 3.50pm.

It took off at 4.16pm with the five-year-old girl and arrived at Southampton General Hospital at 4.39pm.

The Devon Air Ambulance took off at 4.30pm and the police helicopter left at 4.36pm.

Residents of nearby roads Pottery Lane and Goldcroft Avenue stood in groups outside their houses and lined the street along the police cordon.

Some took pictures or made phone calls and the news of the accident spread quickly over Facebook and Twitter.

Most residents stood in shock talking in small groups and seemed shaken by what had happened.

Many said they heard the sound of the collision in their homes and came out to see what had happened.

At the scene of the crash, shards of metal and glass lay scattered on the road along with a packet of crisps, a pair of brown shoes and a dark blue jumper.

Motorbikes were seen at the side of the road close to the scene.

A lorry was pulled up on the Dorchester-bound side of the road.

Police traffic officers photographed the scene.