A MAN who died in a car crash near Christchurch has been named as Richard James Turner from Brockenhurst.

The 35-year-old was driving a red Mini eastbound on the A35 at Roeshot Hill on Monday, when his vehicle collided with a tree at 4.20pm.

The coroner for Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset opened and adjourned the inquest into his death yesterday.

Mr Turner was a retail employee and the cause of death was unascertained.

Police have asked witnesses to contact PC881 Freeman at the Dorset Police Traffic Unit by phoning 01202 222222.

They are particularly keen to speak to the driver of a silver car also travelling eastbound in the direction of Lyndhurst.