The A31 has reopened after a collision brought down overhead powerlines near Sturminster Marshall on Monday afternoon.

The road was closed for hours, with motorists advised on Monday that it was likely to be closed until at least midnight.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said this morning that the road had been reopened and thanked motorists for their patience during the closure.

The road was closed from the Roundhouse roundabout to Lake Gates.

Police were called at 2.30pm to reports of a collision and a Renault Megane on its roof at the Roundhouse roundabout.

The 19-year-old female driver, from Shillingstone, suffered minor injuries and was conscious and breathing at the scene.

Local resident Derek Chappell said he was shocked when he arrived home to find the main road closed by police.

“We were surprised,” the 79-year-old said.

“It's exactly the same place where a very similar accident happened a few years ago. Another car went into the same pole at around the same time of day.

“It looks very serious. It's just lucky no one was seriously hurt.”

A spokesman from Dorset Police said officers were called to the scene at 2.30pm.

He said: “A 19-year-old from the Shillingstone area has left the road travelling westbound. She has left the road and collided with a telegraph and electricity pole.

“She suffered minor injuries and was treated by paramedics at the scene.”

Andy Fields of Poole Traffic Police added: "Members of the public are asked not to move police signs and cones, they are there for a reason."

A spokesperson from Southern Electric said around 10 properties in the area had been left without power. It's estimated the road will be closed until at least midnight while the works are completed.

He apologised for any inconvenience caused to customers.

A diversion was in place via the A350 southbound by joining the A35 eastbound, then heading northbound on the A349 to rejoin the A31.