A MAN died in a collision between a car and a lorry.

The crash happened yesterday afternoon on the A35 at Raymond’s Hill on the Dorset-Devon border.

The road was closed for several hours as investigations took place into the cause of the crash between a Palmers Brewery HGV and a VW Polo.

Police confirmed it was a two-vehicle road traffic collision with one person deceased. The next of kin were being informed last night.

It is thought that the man, who had been travelling in the car and died at the scene, may have suffered a "medical episode" prior to the collision.

Eyewitnesses told of their shock and sadness and described how the incident caused severe disruption in the area.

There were long delays as the road – the main route between Dorset and Devon – was closed between the Charmouth bypass and Hunters Lodge.

Jonathan Pearce, who lives at Raymond’s Hill, said: “We heard the sirens tearing down the road.

“I don’t know what it is about this stretch of the road but we’ve had two or three nasty ones quite recently."

“It really is so sad when people are seriously hurt. You’ve really got to feel for the family of anyone involved.”

The crash happened at the junction of the A35 and the turnings to Green Lane and Red Lane.

Officers from Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police as well as several paramedics and firefighters raced to the incident.

Speaking at the scene yesterday, PC Adam Speers, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “The collision took place just over the Devon side of the A35.

“We anticipate the road will be closed for some time and I believe it is a very serious one.

“Diversions were in place at Lyme Road, and the road was also closed at the Charmouth roundabout.”

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service said: “We were called to reports of a collision between Charmouth and Axminster involving a lorry and a car. We sent an ambulance crew, which left the scene shortly after. One person was trapped.”

There were long delays along the A35 and connecting roads with motorists advised to avoid the area.

Dorset County Council said works at the Crown roundabout in Bridport were halted to ease congestion.

Axminster town councillor Joy Raymond said: “I can’t believe it. I am horror-struck that yet another collision has happened on the A35, it’s absolutely dreadful.

“My thoughts are with all those involved and I would also like to pass on my condolences to the family of the deceased.

“I will be doing all I can to speed up the implementation of safety measures on this road with the local MP Neil Parish.”