AN investigation is underway after a driver fled the scene of a car crash in Swanage.

Dorset Police are currently making enquiries following the two-vehicle collision near the car park in Broad Road at around 9.40pm on Sunday night.

One of the cars involved went up in flames while the driver of the second vehicle fled the scene on foot.

The two passengers in the car that was alight managed to escape with what are believed to be only slight injuries.

The South Western Ambulance Service was also called to the scene.

A fire crew from Swanage was called by police at 9.45pm. Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reel jets to put out the blaze.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said: “One vehicle was severely damaged in the fire which was made safe by the crew. The driver was also given first aid whilst we waited for the ambulance to attend.”

The fire service then helped officers locate the driver who fled the scene using a thermal imaging camera before returning to the station at 11pm.

The NPAS helicopter also assisted in the search operation.

A police spokesman said: “A search was carried out to locate the man at the scene and investigations are currently ongoing.”