A DORSET couple in their 60s  have been seriously injured in a head-on crash near Bovington.

A blue Vauxhall Combo was in a collision with a Ford Focus between the turning for the Tank Museum and the turn-off for Monkey World on Tout Hill.

The call was made at 8.47am and police, fire and ambulance services were in attendance.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was also called as a precaution but was not needed.

Speaking at the scene, PC Tim Brehmer said: “At 8.50am this morning we have had a head-on collision between a Vauxhall Combo van and a Ford Focus.

“They are both locally registered. All parties have been taken to hospital. There was an elderly couple in the Vauxhall Combo from Dorchester with suspected fracture injuries.

“The driver of the Ford Focus has been taken to Poole Hospital for observation.”

The road remained closed whilst emergency services attended the scene. It was closed off by police between the turning for Cloud’s Hill and the Tank Museum.

Two crews of firefighters from Wareham and Bere Regis assisted at the scene of the crash after reports that two people were trapped in a vehicle.

A spokesman for the fire service said that the doors of the vehicle were removed to enable the people to be rescued.

Ambulance staff then took over the care of the two casualties before fire crews left the scene.

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service confirmed that they attended the scene of the crash following a call 8.49am.

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance had been called to the incident, but the crew did not need to fly anybody to hospital.

The elderly couple were taken to Dorset County Hospital. The man is reported to have suffered leg and chest injuries whilst his partner suffered a leg injury.

Dorset Highways were called to help mop a fuel and oil spillage on the road. The vehicles were recovered shortly afterwards.

During this time, families looking to visit Monkey World during the half-term break were advised to find another way to the attraction.

The road reopened at 11am.

PC Brehmer said Dorset Police said the collision would be investigated and police had put out an appeal for witnesses.

Police are looking for two vehicles, one of which being a heavy goods vehicle, who witnessed the incident and saw the manner of driving leading up to it.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police’s East Traffic Department on 101 and ask to speak to PC 2765 Cotterill.