A PENSIONER died in a crash between a car and a lorry in North Dorset on Friday afternoon.

The 70-year-old man from Bath, who was an occupant in a silver Peugeot 207 involved in the incident with a white Mercedes lorry, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family has been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

The other occupant of the Peugeot, a woman aged in her 60s, was taken to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries that are believed to be life-threatening.

Police, ambulance and fire services attended reports two people were trapped in the car on the C13 by the junction with Mill Street near to Fontmell Magna at 12.22pm.

The driver of the lorry did not suffer any serious injuries.

Road closures were put in place to allow emergency services to deal with the collision and for an examination of the scene to be conducted. The road was reopened shortly after 7pm.

Officers are investigating the fatal incident and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Sergeant Lee Savage, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of those involved at this time and we will be carrying out a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances of the collision.

“I am appealing to any witnesses to the collision or manner of driving of the vehicles involved immediately prior to the incident to contact us. I would also urge anyone who was driving in the area at the time and has dashcam fitted to their vehicles to check their footage.

“Finally, I would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding while the road closures were in place. These closures were absolutely necessary to allow us to respond to the incident and for a thorough examination of the collision scene to take place.”

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 15:153. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.