FOUR people were hurt in two separate crashes within half a mile of each other yesterday afternoon.

Two casualties were seen lying on spinal boards next to the A338 northbound following a two-car smash close to the Ashley Heath Roundabout at 1.41pm on Wednesday. 

A black Range Rover registered to a man from Surrey and a silver Ford Fiesta registered to a man from Poole were involved in the crash, which blocked the carriageway for just over an hour.

The Fiesta needed to be recovered from the scene.

Both of those hurt in the smash sustained serious neck injuries, and were taken to Poole Hospital by land ambulance.

Around half-an-hour before the Spur Road collision, a Renault Clio overturned on the A31 westbound, trapping two people inside.

The crash - reported at 1.13pm - caused long delays on the carriageway, with traffic tailing back to Picket Post.

Police and paramedics were at the scene of the collision, which took place near the Verwood/Matchams turn off after the petrol station, for some time.

The Clio had flipped onto one side near the central reservation, and a 21-year-old woman was removed from the vehicle on a spinal board before being taken to Poole Hospital.

She suffered a serious hand injury in the crash.

The 17-year-old driver, who is from Ringwood, was treated at the scene, and did not require hospitalisation.

Police have now called for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward, and said a driver failed to stop following the crash.

PC Mark Palmer, of Dorset Police's Traffic Unit, said it has been reported that a dark-coloured estate car crossed over the chevrons, just prior to the interchange, causing the driver of the Clio – a 17-year-old Ringwood girl – to take evasive action.

“This collision could have been a lot more serious and it’s remarkable that the victims didn’t sustain more injuries," the officer said.

“I am appealing to any witnesses of the collision, who we haven’t already spoken to, to please call me on 101.

“I would also urge the driver of the dark coloured estate, who was present at the time of the incident, to contact me urgently.

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 26:183. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Drivers travelling on both of the affected roads were impacted by the collisions.

Motorists reported being stuck in traffic for three miles before the A31 crash.

Meanwhile, those travelling in both directions on the A338 were affected during the afternoon.