A MAN has been airlifted to hospital after a serious crash on the A31 near Sturminster Marshall this morning.

The casualty was taken to Southampton General Hospital with life-changing injuries, a spokesperson for Dorset Police confirmed.

The road was closed for several hours between the Roundhouse Roundabout and the A35 Shell roundabout at Bere Regis.

The single vehicle crash took place at 5.46am and the road remained closed until 10.30am.

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to the incident.

Police Constable Sean Todd, of the Weymouth Traffic Unit, said: “The road was closed for a number of hours and I would like to thank the public for their patience.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner of driving of the BMW prior to the collision to call me.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo on the scene, a few hundred yards west of the Roundhouse Roundabout, Sgt Joe Pardey of Weymouth Traffic Police said a silver BMW was travelling eastbound on the A31, crossed the carriageway and collided with the verge.

He said: "The driver of the vehicle, who is a man from Cornwall, has suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision.

"They're believed to be life-changing and he was airlifted by the Coastguard to Southampton hospital."

A spokesperson for Dorset Fire and Rescue said: "Firefighters from Wimborne attended an RTC this morning the Bere Regis side of the Roundhouse roundabout at Sturminster Marshall.

"They removed the roof from the car to enable the casualty to be removed from the vehicle using cutting equipment and assisted the paramedics awaiting the arrival of the air ambulance."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 2:25. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Another single vehicle crash took place on the A31 near Winterbourne Zelston at 6.01am.

The crash involving the red Ford Escort, blocked the carriageway at the Red Post crossroads.

There were not thought to be serious injuries.