A WOMAN in her 80s has died following a crash in Christchurch yesterday afternoon.

The casualty was on foot when she was involved in a collision with a blue Ford Focus in Somerford Road near the Purewell Cross roundabout.

Paramedics and police rushed to the scene at 3.15pm. The air ambulance also landed on a school playing field.

Bournemouth Echo:

The air ambulance has landed in a school field. Image by Jay Saunders 

Despite their efforts, the woman, who lived in Christchurch, died of her injuries at the scene.

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

The coroner has also been notified.

Somerford Road was closed at the junctions with the A35 and the bypass while investigations were carried out.

Bournemouth Echo:

The driver of the Ford, a man aged in his 50s and from Christchurch, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

The air ambulance landed in the field at Somerford Primary School.

Inspector Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman involved and we are carrying out a full investigation to establish the exact circumstances of the collision.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident and has not already spoken to officers to please make contact with us.

 

Bournemouth Echo:

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured the incident on dashcam.

“Finally, I would like to thank motorists and members of the public for their patience and understanding during the road closures, which were absolutely necessary to allow the emergency services to deal with the incident and to enable a proper examination of the collision scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 18:263.