A MAN who got out of his VW Golf after it struck a tree was struck by another vehicle and is now fighting for his life.

The 30-year-old man from the Shaftesbury area is being treated in Southampton Hospital following the collisions on Saturday night.

And the driver of the other vehicle involved - a Kia Picanto - was arrested on suspicion of motor offences.

Police were called to reports of a road traffic collision on the B3091 near to Cole’s Lane in Shaftesbury at 11.05pm.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "A Golf was being driven from Shaftesbury toward Sturminster Newton when it left the road and struck a tree before coming to rest in the carriageway.

"A short time later a Kia Picanto being driven by a local 20-year-old man was in collision with the Golf and the driver of the Golf, who had got out of his vehicle following the initial collision.

"The driver of the Golf, a 30-year-old man from the Shaftesbury area, sustained serious potentially-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.

"The driver of the Kia was arrested on suspicion of motoring offences and has been released under investigation while enquiries continue."

Police Constable Jay Griffin, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: "I am appealing to anyone who witnessed either collision, or was travelling in the area at the time and saw the vehicles immediately prior to the incident, to please contact Dorset Police.

"I would also ask motorists who were nearby to check their dashcam footage and get in touch if they captured the vehicles involved travelling along the B3091."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200172065, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.