A 79-year-old Christchurch man has died after being involved in a collision with a lorry whilst crossing the road with a walking frame.

Emergency services were called to the High Street,  at 11.50am today and it remained closed until 4.15pm

The elderly pedestrian was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital with fatal injuries, where he was later pronounced dead.

His next of kin have been informed and Sergeant John Wren from Dorset Police said they are appealing for any witnesses.

The driver of the lorry was spoken to at Christchurch police station but he has not been arrested, according to Sergeant Wren.

Witnesses are asked to Dorset Police on 101 and ask for 2016 PC Jones.

The lorry driver was working for Chase Freight and a spokesperson for the company said: "All we've had is a call from our driver, at the moment we don't know the full extent of it but we're looking into it."

Jayne Miles, 50, from the Ink and Cartridge Shop said: "I heard a scream and ran out into the street.

"I saw a man under the wheel of the lorry."

Another witness said: "I was really shaken by it. There were lots of people around in the high street whio were left shocked  by the incident.

She said the lorry driver tried to move the man but was told not to by members of the public.

The incident happened near the junction with the Fountain roundabout.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "We received a call from the ambulance service at around 11.50am today reporting a serious road traffic collision along High Street in Christchurch.

"Officers attended the scene, where it's believed an elderly man was in collision with a heavy goods vehicle.

"The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where he sadly later died from his injuries.

"Police closed the road from the Fountain Roundabout and traffic was directed towards the quay.

"A road closure was also put in place at the junction with Bridge Street."

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to call, quoting reference 20:169