SIX people have been injured in an accident involving a car and a van on the A35 at Bridport.

Police, firefighters and paramedics are on scene of the accident which happened on the eastern outskirts of Bridport.

The collision happened on the westbound carriageway of the A35 near the junction with Howard Road.

The eastbound carriageway is open but traffic is very slow in the area.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said they expect the road to be reopened soon.

A spokeswoman for the South Western Ambulance Service said the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

She added: "We received a call at 4.08pm this afternoon to a collision involving a car and a van.

"There were four people in the car and two people in the van. All are reporting neck and back injuries. We have called the fire service to assist in getting one casualty out of the vehicle."

Acting Sgt Rhiannon Stroud of Dorset Police's Traffic Unit said: "We are continuing to investigate the cause of this two-vehicle collision.

"Six people appear to have suffered some kind of injury. It looks a lot worse than it is and we don't believe at this time that anyone is seriously injured.

"I would like to thank the public for their patience while we have dealt with this during rush hour traffic.

"Any witnesses can contact Acting Sergeant 1823 Stroud at the Weymouth Traffic Dept on 101."