A mum has been charged over a crash which killed her daughter and left a Salisbury woman in hospital.  

Alanda Jane Pike, 34, of Blackmore Road, Shaftesbury has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit on August 24.

Her daughter, three-year-old Louisa May Pike, died as a result of the crash on the A354 at Thickthorn Close.

Police were informed by the ambulance service of the collision between the white Ford Transit van and a silver Vauxhall Astra on the A354 at Thickthorn Cross, south west of Sixpenny Handly, at 7.52am on Thursday, August 24.

The youngster and her mother were flown to Southampton General Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

The three-year-old died in hospital the next day after also suffering a head injury. 

The driver of the van – a 44-year-old woman from Salisbury - also suffered serious injuries and was taken to Salisbury District Hospital for treatment.

The drivers of both vehicles were subsequently released from hospital.

The road remained closed between the B3081 Sixpenny Handley roundabout and the Long Critchel junction to allow emergency services to deal with the incident and for forensic examination of the scene. 

It was reopened shortly before 3pm. 

Pike appeared before Poole Magistrates' Court yesterday afternoon and is next due to appear at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday October 5.

Police Sergeant Phil Lee, of the traffic unit, said: "I am appealing for any witnesses to this collision who have yet to speak to officers to please contact Dorset Police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Constable Kevin Farenden of the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Dorset Police via email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 24:76. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.