A WOMAN broke her leg after a tree fell onto three cars on the A35 at Wareham Forest earlier this morning.

Three cars were involved in the incident, and three other people were treated by paramedics at the scene for minor injuries.

However, all four were taken by ambulance to Dorchester's Dorset County Hospital following the drama, which unfolded around 5.30am.

A red Citroen C4, a blue Nissan Almera and a grey Seat were hit by the falling tree - which was described as "substantial" in size by Dorset Police.

Police and paramedics initially attended the scene, near Bere Regis, and diversions were put in place as the tree completely blocked both lanes of the A35.

Other drivers were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes if possible.

The road was finally reopened more than three hours later, once the vehicles had been recovered and the tree removed by council contractors.

A Dorset Police spokesman confirmed there was one person travelling in the Almera, one person travelling in the Seat and two in the Citroen.

The Citroen sustained the most damage in the incident, officers said. The woman, aged in her thirties, who broke her leg was travelling in the Citroen.

Speaking shortly after the drama unfolded, the police spokesman told the Daily Echo: "The whole road has been blocked by the tree. Road closures have been implemented between Woodbury Cross and Morden Park Corner.

"Highways arrived at the scene at 7am but one of the vehicles - the red Citroen - won't be able to be recovered until the tree has been removed.

"We can anticipate the road will be closed for much of this morning and we'd advise motorists to use alternative routes to get to work and school."

Meanwhile, a spokesman for South West Ambulance Service confirmed: "We were called at 8.35am and had four casualties. The woman fractured her leg and the three other casualties were all walking wounded.

"All of them went to Dorset County Hospital, the three others as a precaution."