A MAN in his 40s has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after his van was in a serious collision with a lorry on the A35 this morning.

Officers investigating the crash in west Dorset are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward.

Dorset Police received a report at 7.50am on Monday, November 15 of a collision on the westbound carriageway of the A35 near Litton Cheney involving a black Citroen Relay panel van and a white Mercedes lorry.

Officers attended, along with the fire and ambulance services. A man aged in his 40s from Bournemouth was reported to be medically trapped in the van. He was released from the vehicle and taken to Southampton Hospital for treatment to injuries that are believed to be potentially life-changing. His family has been informed.

Road closures have been put in place as the emergency services respond to the incident and an examination of the scene is carried out.

A man aged in his 60s from Wincanton in Somerset was arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Sergeant Jay Griffin, of the traffic unit, said: “We are carrying out an investigation to establish the full circumstances of this collision and I would appeal to any witnesses to please contact us.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage.

“Finally, I appreciate this incident has resulted in the closure of a major route for a significant period of time. These closures are absolutely necessary to allow the emergency services to respond to the incident and for the examination of the scene to take place and I want to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 15:68. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111