A WOMAN is in a critical condition after suffering life-changing injuries in a crash in North Dorset on Monday.

The serious three-car crash took place at East Stour on the A30 crossroads with the B3092.

A 65-year-old woman from Hertfordshire, driving a silver Volkswagen Polo towards Gillingham collided with a white 7.5 tonne Isuzu goods vehicle heading towards Sherborne.

The force of the impact pushed the Volkswagen sideways and it hit a Ford Transit van heading towards Shaftesbury, a spokesperson for Dorset Police said.

The driver of the Volkswagen suffered serious, life-changing injuries and was trapped within her car.

She was released from her vehicle by firefighters and stabilised by paramedics at the scene.

She was flown to Southampton General Hospital by air ambulance, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.

The drivers and passengers of the other vehicles were treated at the scene.

Dorset Police closed the road in both directions, from the Lox Lane junction to Ivy Cross, as investigation and recovery operations took place.

Witnesses are asked to contact Dorset Police on 101.