A 43-YEAR-OLD man from Somerset has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences following a serious road traffic collision near Sherborne on Saturday.

The man was taken to Dorset County Hospital by ambulance as a precaution and has been released under investigation as officers continue to make enquiries.

Dorset Police are now appealing for witnesses to the accident which took place at 5.50pm.

Police received a report of a collision involving a single vehicle which had left the carriageway at Tiley Knap, Middlemarsh near Sherborne. The vehicle involved was a silver Peugeot Boxer van.

The fire service attended to assist a passenger in the van who was trapped in the vehicle. The 37-year-old man from Sherborne suffered serious injuries and was taken by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition

Officers investigating the collision are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Sergeant Phil Lee, of the traffic unit, said: “We are carrying out a detailed investigation to establish the circumstances of the collision.

“I am appealing for any witnesses to the collision, or the manner of driving of the vehicle involved prior to the incident, to contact us.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have any relevant dashcam footage."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 26:320. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.