A WOMAN was taken to hospital with serious injuries following a crash near Blandford yesterday afternoon.

The two-car crash happened on the A350 at Spetisbury at around 4.30pm.  

It involved a a silver Audi A6 and a silver Kia Rio. 

The driver of the Kia, a 85-year-old woman from the Blandford area, was freed from the vehicle by the fire service.

She was taken to Poole hospital where police say she is in a critical but stable condition.

The driver of the Audi, a 64-year-old man from Poole, sustained minor injuries.

Paramedics, police and firefighters attended the scene.

Police closed road at the A350 Tesco roundabout, Spetisbury crossroads and Roundhouse roundabout. 

During the time of the crash, officers were nearby assisting with traffic control after a double decker bus broke down.

Due to the close proximity of officers during the time of the incident, Dorset Police has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Inspector Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said: "An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened or has any relevant dashcam footage to please contact Dorset Police.

"As the incident occurred near to where officers were at the time, the incident passed the threshold of a mandatory referral and we have notified the IOPC."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 21:284. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.