THREE people have been arrested after police followed a suspected stolen car in the moments before a crash in Somerford yesterday afternoon.

Officers began pursuing the vehicle on the A35 in Christchurch at around 2.40pm.

Shortly afterwards, the car, a silver Fiat, collided with a navy Land Rover Discovery outside McColl's in Somerford Road.

No serious injuries have been reported.

However, Somerford Road was closed at the junction with Park Gardens.

It is understood there were three young males inside the Fiat.

A spokesperson from Dorset Police said: "It was reported that a suspected stolen vehicle had been seen on the A35 toward Christchurch.

"Officers followed the vehicle, which collided with another vehicle in Somerford Road.

"Only minor injuries were sustained as a result of the collision.

"The road was closed at the scene to allow officers to conduct their investigation.

"Three people have been arrested in relation to this incident."

One witness said: “There were three blokes in there – young lads by the look of it.

“It looks like quite a bad collision to me.

“There’s a lot of damage to the cars, although I can see that everyone’s managed to get out.

“They were being chased by the police when they lost control.”

A spokesperson from the South Western Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 3.30pm to Stroud Park Avenue.

"Paramedics are assisting a male patient."

There were long delays through Christchurch as a result of the incident.

Traffic was reported on roads around the town.