A SERIOUS road traffic collision in North Dorset at the weekend has brought renewed calls from locals for a speed camera to be erected on the stretch of road they describe as "lethal".

Fire crews had to use cutting equipment to free one of the seven motorists and passengers involved in the three-vehicle collision on the A31 at Winterborne Zelston, near to the Botany Bay Inn.

Police have called the incident "nasty" but say it was a miracle that no one was seriously hurt - only four sustained injuries and these were confined to minor abrasions and whiplash.

They were taken to Poole Hospital.

Witnesses spoke of the one the vehicles rolling over and over, and of motorists not trapped trying to pull others free.

A white saloon Rover registered to a lady from south Humberside and a white Suzuki panel man, registered to a man from Henley-on-Thames, were involved in the incident.

Police say that a 42-year-old man from Cambridgeshire driving a third vehicle - a blue Subaru Impreza - was arrested for an offence in connection with the collision and then released on bail without charge while further enquiries are carried out.

The van had ended up on its side and the Subaru came to rest in a hedge.

Local resident, Leslie Moore, said: "It's a lethal bit of road with a blind bend.

"Not long ago three people were killed when they hit a tractor head-on.

"We have the police, ambulances and the rescue helicopter here at least twice a month.

"We need a speed camera on this stretch of road."

He says the road speed limit has already been reduced from 60 to 40.

"But that doesn't stop them and they still race along at 70," he said.

A police spokesman said they couldn't comment on speed limit issues along this stretch of road while a possible criminal investigation is under way.