HUNDREDS of motorists were stuck in traffic jams earlier this evening after a crash on the Christchurch bypass.

Some drivers had their journeys delayed by more than an hour following the accident which led to the major road being closed.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, close to the Purewell roundabout, at around 4.15pm after reports of a collision between a Toyota Starlet and a Ford Focus.

A spokesman for Dorset Police described the collision as a “shunt” and the road was temporarily closed while the fire service cut open the roof of the Toyota to reach the driver inside.

He added that no injuries were sustained in the incident and the council was called to help clear oil which had spilled onto the road as a result of the crash.

At around 5pm one lane was reopened and traffic began to move slowly past the stricken vehicles, which remained on the side of the road.

However, delays throughout the area followed and angry motorists vented their frustration on social media.

Chris Thurgood, 18, posted: “Christchurch is currently having the mother of all traffic jams.”

Another Twitter user, under the name @Nai_M234, said: “The council seriously need to sort out the traffic in Christchurch as one thing just brings it to a complete standstill.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Christchurch councillor Lesley Dedman said she too had been caught in the mayhem after travelling back home from Poole.

She added: “I am sure all the services have done their best but the traffic has been just appalling.

“I would be interested to hear what the justification is.”