THE Swanage community is reeling from the death of a man who was hit by a car while jogging along the seafront on Monday.

Flowers have been left at the scene following the 70-year-old local man’s death. He was struck by a Vauxhall Zafira which then careered on to the beach.

The emergency services were called to the incident, which happened on the promenade on Shore Road, opposite K’s Funworld amusement arcade, at around 8.40am.

The man, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neil Mccauley, who runs an ice cream stall next to where the incident happened, said it was a “tragic event”.

“Even when you don’t know the person involved it still affects you,” he said. “The collision scene investigators were here for around four or five hours, and then they finally lifted the vehicle from the beach.”

He added: “Shore Road should be closed all year round, not just from May to September.”

Natasha Parslow, who owns Pursenalities, said: “It’s tragic for everyone involved. What happened was horrific. Unfortunately it’s going to affect a lot of people for a long time.

“You feel for both people involved,” she added.

The female driver of the car involved, who is in her 60s, was taken to hospital as a precaution. She suffered minor injuries. The car was believed to be reversing when the incident took place.

Matthew Abrey, who works at fish and chips restaurant Sea Breeze on Shore Road, arrived at work around 10 minutes after the incident happened.

“There was just a fire engine and first responders there at that time. The air ambulance had been and gone,” he said.

“It’s really tragic what happened. I think Shore Road should be shut permanently as it’s a pointless road,” he added.

Police have been appealing for witnesses since the incident happened.

Police Sergeant Joe Pardey is also asking anyone with any dashcam footage that can assist his investigation to come forward.