A 17-YEAR-OLD boy has died after being hit by a car in the early hours of Saturday morning.

At approximately 12.30am, a crash occurred between a silver Vauxhall Insignia and a pedestrian on the A354 Blandford bypass between the Badger Roundabout and the Two Gates Roundabout.

The pedestrian – a 17-year-old boy from the Blandford area – sustained serious injuries and was very sadly pronounced dead. His family has been informed.

The Vauxhall driver sustained a minor injury and was treated at the scene.

Road closures were put in place to allow the emergency services to respond to the incident and for an examination of the collision scene to take place.

And police investigating the incident have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Police Constable Mike Burt, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who sadly died at this extremely difficult time for them. 

“We will be carrying out a full investigation to establish the circumstances of this collision and I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened or may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage to please come forward.

“I understand that shortly after the collision the driver of the Vauxhall attempted to flag down a passing vehicle, but we have so far not been able to identify this car. I am appealing for the driver to please come forward as a witness as they may have important information to assist my enquiries.

“Finally, I would like to thank the public for their patience while the road closure was in place. The closure allowed the emergency services to respond to the incident in a safe manner and thoroughly examine the scene.”

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 17:19.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.