A MAN was taken to hospital following a serious crash which closed a key road in North Dorset.

Dorset Police was responded to reports of a two-vehicle collision at Spread Eagle Hill near Melbury Abbas at 2.55pm on Tuesday afternoon (November 17).

Police officers closed the road in both directions as ambulance services attended the scene.

A man was also reported to be trapped inside a vehicle but was safely removed by an ambulance crew. The injured man was later taken to hospital for further medical treatment.

The road reopened in both directions at approximately 6.20pm on Tuesday evening.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “We were called at 2.55pm on Tuesday, November 17 to reports of a two-vehicle collision at Spread Eagle Hill near Melbury Abbas.

“Officers attended along with the ambulance service and road closures were put in place.

“The fire service also attended following reports one man was trapped in their vehicle but he was safely removed by the ambulance service.

“The man was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that were not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.

“The vehicles were recovered and the local authority attended in relation to fuel on the road. The road was reopened at around 6.20pm.

The road closure caused congestion in the area and affected traffic between Melbury Abbas and Blandford Forum.

Dorset Police at the time advised motorists to follow alternative routes in the area and "be patient" during the traffic delays.