THE A349 Gravel Hill in Poole has reopened after a tree crashed on to the road this afternoon.

Emergency services were alerted at 3.55 pm after the tree came down near the Darby's Corner roundabout.

The local authority was advised and a tree surgeon was called after the road was closed both ways between Darby's Corner and Poole Crematorium.

The tree, a leylandii 40-45ft tall, damaged a silver-grey Volkswagen van as it fell. 

Sgt Stuart Pitman of Dorset Police's traffic division said: "Miraculously, only minor injuries were suffered by the male and female occupants. They are now recovering at home.

"We have shut one of the major strategic routes into Poole during the rush-hour. I would like to thank everyone for their understanding in this matter."

The tree is thought to have suffered a split previously and to have been felled by high winds.

Barry Sparks, senior network manager at the Borough of Poole, said: "Due to today's predicted high winds, a large conifer has fallen in Gravel Hill.

"Tree surgeons were quickly at the scene and the road was closed to enable its safe removal."

As of 5.45pm, six contractors were still working to cut up the tree and remove it. 

View latest traffic updates for this incident here

Earlier today a tree missed a bungalow by inches after it fell in Wimborne Road, Northbourne.