TREACHEROUS black ice was blamed for causing five cars to crash off the road near Bashley in the New Foreston Monday morning.

Three of the vehicles skidded off Bashley Cross Road, independently, around 7am, and another two collided with each other at the same bend.

Meanwhile, in north Dorset the local authority closed another rural route after icy conditions were also blamed for a ‘multiple collisions’.

Police have now warned drivers to be vigilant, as early morning temperatures are forecast to remain relatively low throughout the week.

Dorset County Council safer travel manager Wayne Sayers said: “We want you to get to your destination safely so please make sure that you’re driving to the conditions. take extra care by reducing speed and increasing your stopping distance.

“Also, make sure that your lights are on if it’s gloomy or foggy – and remember that even if gritters have been out, roads can still be slippery.”

The Bashley incidents were reported to Hampshire Police shortly after 7am.

Local residents said the roadside culverts regularly overflow, and this water freezes at the side of the road overnight.

One person involved in the black ice incident suffered leg injuries and was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. These injuries are understood to not be serious.

Police closed Bashley Cross Road, between the A35 and Stem Lane, for more than three hours afterwards, to allow recovery of the vehicles.

Meanwhile, multiple minor collisions were reported at Common Mead Lane, Gillingham, also due to ice on the road. No-one was seriously injured in the Gillingham incidents but the local authority was forced to put in a temporary road closure between Freame Way and the B3081 Wyke Road.