Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision involving a lorry which left a road closed for several hours and caused disruption to the entire power supply of a nearby village.

The incident happened at around 6pm on Wednesday, April 10 near the substation on the B3081 between Gillingham and Shaftesbury.

The 22-tonne white M.A.N. lorry, which is registered to a company from Swindon, left the road and crashed into a pylon causing the 33Kw power cable to fall and the lines to spark.

The road was closed at the junction of Lox Lane for several hours.

Police Constable Mike Henstridge, of Gillingham police, said: “This was a nasty road traffic collision that caused a vast amount of disruption to road users and the residents of West Stour.

“Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the incident including the driver.

“I would like to praise the efforts of the electrical company who attended quickly, and those working at the nearby substation that turned off power to the lines immediately.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or may have seen the lorry moments before the collision took place to contact Dorset Police in confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 10:326. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.