A WOMAN was killed in an East Dorset car crash after a tree fell on the vehicle she was driving.

The woman, who lived locally and was aged in her 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services in Verwood Road on Saturday morning.

Dorset Police were called at 8.41am on Saturday, November 2, to a report of a collision involving a grey Ford B-max and a tree between the Alderholt turning and the A31.

It had been reported to police that the tree had fallen on the car.

The woman's next of kin has been informed and the road currently remains closed while emergency services remain at the scene.

Police Sergeant Lee Savage, of the traffic unit, said: “We have specially-trained officers supporting the family at this difficult time.

“To assist with my investigation I am appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area at the relevant time and either witnessed the collision or captured any of the incident on dashcam to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding while the road closures are in place. These are absolutely necessary to allow emergency services to safely respond to the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 2:144. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

At the time of the incident, severe weather conditions swept across Dorset, with heavy rain showers and high winds.

The Met Office issued a weather warning for strong winds between 4am and 6pm on Saturday.