A man has died and a woman is fighting for her life following a serious crash in north Dorset. 

Police were called to reports of collision on the C13 by the junction with Mill Street near to Fontmell Magna at 12.22pm yesterday. 

It involved a white Mercedes lorry and a silver Peugeot 207. 

Officers attended, along with the ambulance and fire services, following reports that two people were trapped in the Peugeot. 

Sadly, a 70-year-old man from Bath 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 injuries that are believed to be life-threatening.

The driver of the lorry was not seriously injured.

Road closures were put in place whilst emergency services dealt with the incident and carried out an examination of the scene.

The road reopened shortly after 7pm.

Police are now appealing for witnesses 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.