A TAXI crashed into a tree following a collision with a van in Boscombe on Saturday night.

Three people were taken to hospital with minor injuries following the incident on Christchurch Road, near the Iford roundabout around 7.17pm.

The six-seater taxi was driving towards Boscombe from Iford when the collision with a white panel van took place.

It is believed the van was pulling out into the road when the collision with the silver Mondeo estate taxi took place.

The cab then collided with a tree.

The road was closed for around an hour from Iford roundabout and Warnford Road.

Crew in a passing fire engine were first on the scene to help the injured parties, which included the taxi driver and two passengers.

It is not known which taxi company the cab belonged to.

The owner of the cab firm, who did not want to be named, said his driver had called him moments after the crash.

"I was so shocked when I got here. I thought it might just be a bumper dented or something", he said.

"The driver has a suspected back injury and didn't look very good at all. There were two passengers as well.

"The driver and a lady were lying on the floor when I got here."

No has been arrested in connection with the incident.

The road was re-opened around 8.24pm.