CRASHES on Dorset roads have claimed the lives of two men in the space of a few hours.

On Friday afternoon a 37-year-old motorcyclist from Blandford was killed in a crash involving a tractor on the A357 in Stalbridge.

Just 12 hours later, in the early hours of Saturday morning, a 49-year-old man from the Shepton Mallet area, driving a Ford Transit van, was killed in a crash with a Ford Ranger pick-up truck in Ringwood Road, near Three Legged Cross.

County councillor Peter Finney, cabinet member for transport, said these were “very tragic” incidents.

“It is not just for the people involved, you have to feel desperately sorry for their families,” he said.

“We urge people to make sure they are driving according to the road conditions, keeping their speed appropriate and not drinking or taking drugs when they drive.

“In evenings pedestrians should make sure they are wearing reflective gear, particularly in country roads, and drivers should be more alert.”

He said the council would wait to see police evidence from the scenes of the crashes to determine whether any road safety improvements could be made.

“In all the years I have been doing this the road itself has rarely played a part.

“Unfortunately it is usually down to driver error.

“That is the educational job we have to do.”

The crash at 2.11am on Saturday also saw a 26-year-old male passenger in the Transit van suffer neck and spinal injuries. He was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment.

The road was closed for several hours as police carried out their investigation.

A 28-year-old man and 21-year-old woman, both from Shaftesbury, have been arrested on suspicion of driving offences and are currently assisting officers with their enquiries.

Friday’s crash, at 3.20pm, involved a Suzuki motorcycle and a tractor registered to a Stalbridge company.

In both cases next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Contact the force on 101 quoting reference 7:257 for Friday’s crash and 8:53 for Saturday, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.