TWO people - one a Poole man - have died and four have been left seriously injured after a crash in west Dorset on Friday night.

A Poole woman is also fighting for her life as a result of the crash.

The collision happened at around 10.16pm on the A37 three miles north of Grimstone on Break Heart Hill.

Two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision – a blue Volkswagen Transporter van being driven by a man from Poole and a black Volkswagen Golf being driven by a man from Devon.

Two people – a 25-year-old woman from Bridport and a 45-year-old man from Poole – have died. Their next of kin have been informed and the coroner notified.

Four other people were injured in the collision.

The passenger of the Volkswagen Transporter, a 37-year-old woman from Poole, is described as being in a life threatening condition.

The driver of the Volkswagen Golf, a 28-year-old man from Devon, and two other passengers, a 28-year-old man from the Exeter area and a 26-year-old woman from the Bridport area, have sustained serious life changing injuries.

All four are receiving treatment at hospitals in Yeovil and Dorchester.

A section of the A37 between Hollywell crossroads and Long Ash Lane was closed overnight while collision investigators carried out a thorough examination of the scene.

The road was reopened at 5.10am on Saturday morning.

Police Sergeant Joe Pardey, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the incident to please call me urgently on 101.

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.

“The road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident allowing officers to establish what happened. I would like to thank motorists for their patience.”

County and district councillor for the area where the crash happened, Jill Haynes, said her thoughts were with the friends and family of those involved.

She added: "Those tragically killed in this crash had the rest of their lives ahead of them. This is an incredibly sad situation.

"We have far too many deaths on Dorset's roads.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 8:422.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.