A WOMAN is fighting for her life after a serious crash in north Dorset.

Emergency services were alerted to reports of a crash in Shaftesbury Road on the B3081 on the evening of December 2. 

The collision occurred at around 8.45pm and involved a silver Peugeot 207, a silver Toyota Yaris, a white Kia Picanto and a black Nissan Qashqai.

A woman in her 50s from Gillingham was airlifted to Southmead Hospital where she remains in a life-threatening condition, her next of kin has been informed.

The male driver of the Yaris and his passenger were taken to hospital for treatment.

The road was closed for several hours while the incident was dealt with.

An 18-year-old man from north Dorset has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences.

He remains in police custody.

Police Sergeant Mike Burt, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area and may have seen what happened – or the manner of driving of the vehicles involved prior to the collision – to please come forward.

“Also, if you were driving on the B3081 around the relevant time with a dashcam, please check your footage for anything that may assist our enquiries.

“The road was closed while emergency services attended the incident and carried out a thorough scene examination. I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this time.”

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 9.13pm yesterday (2 December) to Turnpike Road, Motcombe to reports of a two-vehicle road traffic collision.

“Two crews from Shaftesbury and a crew from Gillingham attended where they released two casualties and left in the care of the ambulance service. Our stop was at 10.28pm.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240185025.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.