A MAN who repeatedly stepped in front of traffic on Bournemouth’s Wessex Way is in hospital after a collision with a car.

The incident closed the A338 dual carriageway for three hours on Saturday.

Police said the 31-year-old man repeatedly stepped out in front of traffic on busy Wessex Way as horrified drivers were forced to swerve around him.

The incident took place just after 5.30pm between St Paul’s Roundabout and the Springbourne slip road, heading north.

He moved from lane to lane until he was caught a glancing blow from a car driven by a man from Ringwood.

He was taken to Poole Hospital and treated for injuries to his face and skull, where he is said to be in a stable condition.

Dorset Police closed Wessex Way for three hours while they examined the scene.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the incident or the man behaving oddly prior to it, to contact 101, 01202 222222 if outside the county or free and anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.