A MAN has died after a single vehicle collision in north Dorset.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the fatal accident, a field next to rural Whatcombe Lane, near Winterborne Whitechurch, after reports of a vehicle fire.

It had been reported that the vehicle, a red Peugeot Expert van, had left a farm track and ended up in the field.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS), Dorset Police and South Western Ambulance Service all attended, around 5.40pm on Friday. (June 1)

Offices confirmed the driver of the van, a 54-year-old man from the local area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

There was nobody else in the van and no other vehicles were involved.

Specially-trained crash investigators have requested any witnesses to contact Dorset Police.

Residents living in the area told the Echo they'd been aware of emergency services activity along Whatcombe Lane, towards the Winterborne Whitchurch end of the road on Friday late afternoon and early evening.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "Personally I don't know who the driver was but it is quite a shock to learn someone has died along here.

"I'm not sure if the van was actually on the lane or on a private track leading off it.

"Either way, my thoughts go out to his friends and family."

Police Sergeant Craig Tatton, of the traffic unit, said: "The man's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers at this difficult time.

"We are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish exactly what happened and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the accident, or who saw the vehicle in the area around the relevant time to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, or via 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101 and quoting incident number 1:364.