POLICE have launched an investigation after three men were hurt by a mobile stage last week.

The stage - which is owned by Absolute Music - was being driven through Commercial Road in Bournemouth at around 9.15pm on Friday when the three were injured.

It is thought a hatch which opens up when the stage is stationary had not been secured properly.

One witness told the Daily Echo: “My husband and I witnessed the whole thing as we were stopped at the traffic lights and it passed it front of us. It was a mobile stage from Absolute Music.

“It was a really traumatic thing to watch as the side flew open, and then stayed open because of the hydraulic hinges.

“It went straight into a crowd of people. They were dropping to the ground.”

The witness said the driver continued along the road, only stopping when the hatch “hit a large road sign on a pole”, which smashed the window of Bunny’s Kebab Shop.

Photos seen by the Echo show the large hatch, connected via hinges at the top of the vehicle, swinging open.

A spokesperson from the South Western Ambulance Service said paramedics were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving pedestrians at 9.10pm.

One of the casualties suffered a serious head injury and was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. The others sustained minor injuries and were taken to Poole Hospital.

Three ambulances and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: “One of the casualties is believed to have suffered serious injuries.

“There have been no arrests. Investigations continue.”

As reported, Jason Alford of Trowbridge in Wiltshire said he was leaving the Brewhouse with family when he saw the collision take place.

“We could see the panel swinging out from the van,” he said.

Representatives from Absolute Music told the Daily Echo they will not comment while the police investigation is ongoing.