A MAN has suffered serious injuries and part of a major road is closed this morning after an 18-tonne tanker overturned in a crash with a car.

The A35 is shut between Woodbury Cross and Morden Park Corner.

Police say the carriageway is likely to be closed for a "number of hours" due to the "complex recovery" needed for a 18-tonne lorry.

Bournemouth Echo:

Image courtesy of Dorset Traffic Cops

Officers were called just after 6.50am to the crash, which involved a Skoda Octavia being driven by a 29-year-old Poole man, and a tanker being driven by a 41-year-old man from the Dorchester area.

The Skoda driver was seriously hurt in the collision. He has been taken to hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

The lorry driver suffered minor injuries during the crash, which saw his vehicle overturn into a ditch.

It is understood the road may be shut until around 11am or 12noon.

PC Gatfield of Dorset Traffic Cops has called for anyone with information about the manner of driving of either of the vehicles prior to the collision to come forward.

Anyone with dashcam footage is also asked to speak to police by visiting dorset.police.uk or calling 101, quoting 55190195619.