TRIBUTES have been paid to an 'incredible' and 'caring' 25-year-old Wimborne man who died in a crash in the early hours of Christmas Eve.

The man, named locally as Peter Barnes, died at the scene of an incident along Holt Lane in Furzehill on Thursday morning which involved a Ford Mondeo and a white Vauxhall Combo van.

Dorset Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

The Ford Mondeo was found by a passing motorist after hitting a tree at around 5.40am. The man's next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified. The driver of the van sustained minor injuries.

Cherry and Steve Dyer, owners of The Stocks Inn, based in Furzehill, said that Peter Barnes visited their pub daily and was part of the venue's close-knit community.

Cherry added: "He was a true friend to everyone and a lovely person who was caring to everybody. He would help anyone out and he was an incredible young man, who was good friends with our son who is the same age.

"We are devastated by the news and our hearts go out to his family."

Floral tributes have been left at the scene.

Sergeant Joe Pardey of Dorset Police said that the crash 'may well have happened some time before 5.40am', which is when the emergency services were contacted by the passing motorist.

He added: "At the moment we are unsure what time the collision happened. I am urging anyone who witnessed the collision, or manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the collision, to please call Dorset Police urgently."

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences.

Witnesses and anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 24:68.