TWO men have been released on bail after a Bournemouth man was killed in a horrifying collision on the A31 on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old driver of a silver Peugeot 206 was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, close to the Botany Bay Inn at Winterborne Zelston, between Bere Regis and the A350.

His car was involved in a collision with a Volvo heavy tractor towing an abnormal load, believed to be a crane, just after 6.30am.

Both the 42-year-old driver of the tractor from Lancashire and the 40-year-old driver of a vehicle escorting the large load, also from Lancashire, were both arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

They were taken to Poole police station for questioning and later released on police bail to a date in March while enquiries continue.

A police family liaison officer notified the dead man's next of kin.

The A31 was closed in both directions following the early morning crash and surrounding routes bore the brunt of heavy traffic.

A police spokesperson said: "Diversions were put in place and major disruption to road users in the area was unavoidable."

Traffic built up on roads around the incident as vehicles were forced to find alternative routes.

The A35, A351 to Wareham and Blandford Road North in Upton all quickly became congested following the incident.

Police re-opened the A31 just after 12.10pm.

Investigating officer PC Simon Fairholme is keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone who saw the manner of driving of any of the vehicles involved.

Call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.