A 66-year-old man from Sherborne was taken to hospital in a critical condition after crashing into a tree on the A352.

Dorset Police was called at 10.19pm on Wednesday, March 20 after a black Mini crashed into a tree on the A352 Old Sherborne Road near to Charlton Down, Dorchester.

Two fire crews from Dorchester were mobilised to assist shortly after and found a man was trapped inside the mini when they arrived. Firefighters rescued him from the car using hydraulic cutting equipment.

Crews were delayed on scene making up their equipment and assisting ambulance service colleagues. 

The driver, a 66-year-old man, sustained serious life-threatening injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for emergency treatment. He remains in a critical condition.

The road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident. It was reopened at 3am on Thursday, March 21.

Dorset Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward. Inspector Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was travelling along the A352 at the relevant time and either witnessed the collision or saw the Mini being driven immediately prior to the incident to please contact Dorset Police.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant dashcam.”

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 20:501. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Updates to follow.