AN ELDERLY man died after crashing into a parked car in Bournemouth.

The man, named locally as Arthur Loader, is thought to have been taken ill while driving on Saturday.

He was involved in the collision at Walker Holland car dealers in Kinson Road at 4.45pm after his silver Daewoo Matiz struck a green Volkswagen that was for sale at the dealership.

Andy Garett, who works at Walker Holland, said it was only thanks to a sudden hailstorm that more people weren’t injured.

“Normally, the pavement outside is very busy because of Lloyd’s Pharmacy, but luckily, it seems like the hailstorm drove everyone inside,” he said.

“It could have been a lot worse. Normally, someone’s walking by, so it’s just lucky there weren’t many people around at that time. It’s very sad to hear that the gentleman died and I’m sorry for his family.”

He said the damage to the Volkswagen was extensive.

“It’s definitely a write-off,” he said.

Muriel Jemison, who lives opposite the crash site, said paramedics worked hard to try and help the man.

“They had him in an ambulance working on him,” she said.

“They got him out of the car on a stretcher and they were outside for a long time trying to help.

“It’s very sad news that the man died.”

Following the incident, the road was closed both ways between the Wallisdown Roundabout and the Hood Crescent junction for several hours while police officers investigated.

Sergeant Stuart Pitman of Dorset Police said: “I would like to thank the local community for understanding the reasons for the road closures and for their patience.

“From our initial investigations, we believe the gentleman has become poorly while driving and passed away.

“This is a tragic incident and my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”