A MAN arrested after crashing off Ringwood Road and damaging two gas mains has been released under investigation.

The 40-year-old's car left Ringwood Road at the junction of Noon Hill Road before crashing through a front garden wall and a fence and coming to a stop in a resident's driveway.

One of the damaged gas mains ignited, causing a huge fire that led to the evacuation of three homes.

As reported yesterday, brave resident Ben Worth rescued the driver from his burning vehicle before the emergency services arrived.

Another resident rescued a dog that was also trapped in the car.

The driver, who was not seriously hurt, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said he had been released under investigation.