FOUR people have escaped serious injury after a tree fell onto their cars along the A35 earlier this morning.

No-one was seriously injured in the incident, which involved a car registered in Bridport, but the major road was closed.

A red Citroen C4 registered in Bridport, a blue Nissan Almera registered in Poole and a grey Seat registered in Berkshire were hit by the falling tree - which was described as "substantial" in size by Dorset Police.

Police and paramedics initially attended the scene at around 5.30am, and diversions were put in place as the tree completely blocked both lanes of the A35.

Other drivers were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes if possible. The road has now reopened.

A Dorset Police spokesman said there was one person travelling in the Almera, one person travelling in the Seat and two travelling in the Citroen.

The pair travelling in the Citroen received treatment at the scene by paramedics. Police said one woman was complaining of hip and leg pain.

The spokesman said: "The whole road was blocked by the tree. Road closures were implemented between Woodbury Cross and Morden Park Corner.

"Highways arrived at the scene at 7am but one of the vehicles - the red Citroen - won't be able to be recovered until the tree has been removed.

"We can anticipate the road will be closed for much of this morning and we'd advise motorists to use alternative routes to get to work and school this morning."