A MAIN route through Purbeck was blocked today following a two-car crash which left one person hospitalised.

Emergency services were called to the stretch of the A351 outside the Olive Tree Cookery School, Norden, at 11.50am following a collision between a green Volkswagen Polo and blue Ford Fiesta.

Police closed the road in both directions between the B3075 Corfe Road junction and the roundabout near Norden Farm following the incident.

When paramedics reached the scene they requested assistance from firefighters after it emerged one of the car’s occupants was medically trapped.

Two crews from Dorset Fire and Rescue Service used hydraulic cutting equipment to remove the roof of the vehicle, safely freeing the person from the car via a spinal board.

South Western Ambulance Service confirmed this casualty was taken to Poole Hospital with minor injuries, while four others were treated at the scene.

The road reopened at 1.30pm.