A TEENAGER sadly died after a crash near a west Dorset village on New Year’s Day.

The 18-year-old, from Cornwall, was a passenger in a black Toyota Aygo which was involved in a crash with a silver Kia Sorrento and a black BMW on the A35 near Kingston Russell at around 1.34pm on Monday (January 1).

Dorset Police said he was very sadly pronounced dead at the scene and that his family had been notified.

Three others were also taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.

Road closures were put in place between Dorchester and Bridport while emergency services responded to the collision and an examination of the scene was carried out.

Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the traffic unit, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the loved ones of the man who sadly died in this incident.

“An investigation is underway to establish what happened and I am keen to hear from any witnesses to the collision, or the manner of driving of the vehicles involved prior to it, who have not already spoken to police.

“Also, I would like to speak to any motorists who were travelling in the vicinity and may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage.

“Finally, I would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during the road closures.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, by email to scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240000247. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.