POLICE investigating a fatal road traffic collision that occurred a few miles along a main trunk road from the forest are widening their appeal, hoping for the driver of a small green hatchback to come forward.

The crash happened on the A31 between Winterbourne Zelston and Bere Regis at 5.55pm last Monday.

It involved a blue Subaru car travelling west, which overtook a lorry and collided with a Skoda travelling in the opposite direction.

The impact forced the Skoda back into the hedge at the side of the road and its driver died from his injuries.

The two passengers in the vehicle received serious injuries which required hospital treatment.

The Subaru car also collided with a black Mercedes, before coming to rest in the middle of the road. Police are particularly keen to speak to the driver, and any passengers, of a green hatchback-style car that was at the scene but did not stop – possibly unaware of the events that followed.

Sgt Jon Wren, of Dorset Police’s traffic unit, said “During the early stages of the Subaru’s overtaking it appears that a small green hatchback car may have been forced to take avoiding action.

“We would very much like to hear from the driver or passengers of this car.

“They are not implicated in the collision but may be important witnesses to our investigation. I would urge them to get in contact with police as soon as possible.

“Any witnesses that have not already spoken to the police should call the non-emergency number 101 and ask for PC 1294 Chris Smith from the Poole traffic unit.”

A 28-year-old man from Taunton was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.