An elderly woman has died following a crash involving a Waitrose lorry and a car on a main route in Dorset. 

Emergency services were called to the crash on the A31 near Bere Regis at just after 11am on Thursday.

The collision happened at the turn-off to Winterborne Kingston.

It involved a green DAF Trucks Waitrose delivery lorry, driven by a 63-year-old man from Berkshire, and a silver Peugeot, driven by a 79-year-old woman from the Shaftesbury area of north Dorset.

Sadly, the Peugeot driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

The lorry driver was uninjured.

The A31 remained closed at the Shell garage in Bere Regis, Red Post and the Roundhouse roundabout to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and to clear the scene.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

Sergeant Craig Tatton, of Dorset Police’s traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman involved.

“We are carrying out a full investigation to establish the circumstances of this collision.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact us.

“Also, I would like to hear from anyone who may have captured the incident or the manner of driving of the vehicles involved prior to the collision on dashcam.

“Finally, I would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding during the road closures, which are absolutely necessary to allow the emergency services to deal with the incident and to enable a thorough examination of the collision scene.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 18:144.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.