A WOMAN has died after a crash near Shaftesbury.

The incident, which involved three vehicles, happened on the B3091 near the junction with Cole’s Lane at around 12.40am on Sunday morning (December 18).

Police said the crash involved a red Vauxhall Corsa, a blue Vauxhall Astra and a blue Citroen Berlingo.

Emergency services attended the scene and the driver of the Astra – a woman in her 40s from Sturminster Newton – was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family has been informed.

The driver of the Corsa – a local woman in her 20s – received treatment for injuries that were not believed to be serious, police added.

Road closures were put in place as the emergency services responded to the incident and for an examination of the scene to take place.

Sergeant Mark Scammell, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who sadly died in this collision, and we are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“I would urge any witnesses, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, who has not already spoken to police to please get in touch with us to assist our investigation.

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

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact, by email to scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 18:14.