A WOMAN was arrested before being taken to hospital in a serious condition following a crash.

Officers investigating the single-vehicle collision near Beaminster are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

The incident was reported to police at 12.47am today and happened on the A3066 between Melplash and Beaminster.

A red Kia Rio left the road and collided with a tree.

A 31-year-old woman from the Bridport area was arrested on suspicion of a driving offence but was taken to hospital, where she remains in a very serious condition.

A road closure was put in place to enable an investigation of the scene.

Police Sergeant Mike Gatfield, of the traffic unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area at the time and witnessed what happened to please contact police.

“If you have a dashcam fitted to your vehicle, I would ask you to please check for any relevant footage that may assist our enquiries.

“I appreciate the road closure has an impact on the public and I would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while it remains in place.”

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 occurrence number 55240131077. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.