A MAN was killed in a collision on the A35 this morning.

The collision involving a car and a lorry took place on A35 Sea Road South near Bridport at around 5am.

A white curtain-sided lorry registered to a company in Milton Keynes being driven by a 46-year-old Derbyshire man, collided with an orange Daewoo Matiz, driven by a 75-year Torquay man.

The lorry was heading toward Crown Roundabout on Sea Road South when it collided with the car, which was heading in the opposite direction, between West Bay Roundabout and the fire station.

The driver of the Matiz died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and the coroner notified.

The lorry driver was uninjured but treated for shock by paramedics.

No passengers were in the vehicles.

The A35 has been closed in both directions from Crown Roundabout to The Mitsubishi Garage in Bridport town centre to allow collision investigators to carry out a thorough examination of the scene. 

It is believed it will not reopen until at least 1pm. 

Police, fire and ambulance attended the scene.

There are traffic delays in both directions close to the Texaco roundabout and Bothenhampton. East Street is also busy.

Dorset Police said they were called at 5.06am to a report of a 'serious collision' between a car and a lorry on the A35 in Bridport.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said they were called just after 5am to the incident. They sent two land ambulances to the incident.

Highways England tweeted that the A35 was closed both ways between the B3157 and the A3066 at Bridport. There is a diversion in place via a local route on B3162 through Bridport.

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

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.

“I would like to thank the public for their patience during the road closure while the emergency services carried out their work.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 4:44. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.