A 75-year-old woman from Shaftesbury has died following a crash near Salisbury yesterday.

Emergency services were called shortly after 9.30am to the single vehicle collision on the A30 at Compton Chamberlayne.

Fire and rescue crews from Wilton and Salisbury were called to the scene at 9.40am, and used hydraulic cutting equipment to remove one casualty from a car, who was then taken to Southampton Hospital by road ambulance.

A police spokesman said: "At this stage, it is believed that a large tree fell into the road and on to the car – a Ford Fiesta, which was travelling northbound from the direction of Fovant.

"The 75-year-old passenger, who is from Dorset, sadly died at the scene. Her family are being supported by specially trained officers and our thoughts remain with them at this time."

The driver, a 74-year-old woman also from Dorset, suffered serious injuries to her leg, which are believed to be life changing, and was taken to this hospital where she remains in a serious condition.

The road remained closed until about 11.45pm.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call police on 101 and quote log number 103 of November 29.