A POLICE helicopter was deployed in the hunt for a driver after a vehicle overturned and hit a lamppost in a crash.

Police officers were called to Peverell Avenue West in Poundbury, Dorchester at 8.56pm on Sunday evening (October 11) following reports of a collision.

The vehicle caused damage to a lamppost and was left on its roof on the road. Firefighters from Dorchester Fire Station were called to the scene as smoke was issuing from the vehicle. 

Dorset Police say the driver fled the area as a police helicopter and officers carried out 'extensive searches' around the area to find him. 

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said officers are still looking for the driver of the vehicle as investigations into the collision continue. 

She said: "Dorset Police was called at 8.56pm on Sunday, October 11 to a report of a single-vehicle collision on Peverell Avenue West in Poundbury, Dorchester.

"It is reported that the car overturned and the driver left the scene.

Dorset Echo: The vehicle was later towed away from the scene. Picture: James WilsonThe vehicle was later towed away from the scene. Picture: James Wilson

"The fire service attended the incident as the vehicle was smoking. Substantial damage was also caused to a lamppost.

"Officers carried out extensive searches of the area to try and locate the driver, assisted by the NPAS helicopter.

"Enquiries remain ongoing into the collision. No arrests have been made."

Resident James Wilson said the crash happened at around 8.45pm after he and his daughter heard an 'almighty crash' outside his home.  

He said: "Me and my daughter heard an almighty crash as it happened and someone shouted 'I'm going to call the police.'

"As far as I know, the driver came off the road, knocked the lamppost over at some speed as he's ripped it out of the ground.

"He managed to get away after the crash and the police helicopter spent a while trying to locate him."

Dorset Echo: Residents looked on as emergency services attended the scene. Picture: James WilsonResidents looked on as emergency services attended the scene. Picture: James Wilson

He added police officers were in the area for approximately an hour as the damaged vehicle was recovered from the road.

A spokeswoman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Rescue Service said that firefighters attended but were not required.

She said: "We were called by the police to Peverell Avenue West in Poundbury at 9pm on Sunday night after a car ended up on its roof and one crew from Dorchester went.

"However, no action was needed on our part and our stop came at 9.16pm."