Police seek witnesses and dash cam footage after driver hurt when sports car careered into ditch off A35 Christchurch bypass

A MOTORIST had to be cut free by firefighters after a high-performance sports car careered off the A35 Christchurch bypass last night (Sunday).

Police are urging witnesses and those with useful dash cam footage to come forward as they investigate the incident in which a white Audi R8 overturned in a ditch with the driver trapped inside.

The alarm was raised around 6.45pm, with reports the vehicle left the carriageway at Somerford roundabout.

Local firefighters helped the casualty before paramedics arrived, and also used hydraulic cutting gear to free the driver.

The casualty, a man in his 50s, was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment to injuries described by a Dorset Police spokesperson as “not life-threatening or life-changing”.

Officers shut the road to allow emergency crews to safely deal with the incident, and the closure remained in place for investigations until around 2.25am this morning.

PC Gavin Newbury, of the traffic unit, said: “I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or manner of driving of the vehicle in the moments beforehand to please get in touch.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who may have been driving in the area and captured anything of relevance on dash cam footage.”

Those with information should contact officers online at https://bit.ly/3MlFqGe or by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or calling 101, quoting incident reference number 55220077251.

Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.