Villagers say their 'hearts are bleeding' after a horror crash in west Dorset in which a woman died.

A huge emergency service presence was at the scene on the A3066 in Mosterton just after 8pm on Wednesday after reports three people had been hit by a car, which then caught fire.

A man fled from the scene and was tracked down by police.

All three pedestrians, believed to be from the same family, were taken to hospital by air ambulance for treatment, but police said on Thursday afternoon that a woman aged in her 40s had died.

A woman in her 20s remains in critical condition, while a young boy sustained serious injuries. 

A 40-year-old man from Yeovil has been arrested on suspicion of driving offences.

Mosterton was quiet on Thursday as Dorset Police closed the main road for several hours as forensic teams and sniffer dogs inspected the scene.

Villagers have described the effect that the crash has had on the small community.

A woman who works at the local convenience store and did not wish to be named said she has set up a fundraising tin in the shop, the proceeds from which will go to the family affected by the horror crash. 

An online fundraiser has also been set up to help the family involved in the fatal crash. 

"The whole village is just in shock, really. People are coming in and they just can't believe what has happened," she added.

"It is going to be expected - it is a little village and everyone knows everybody, but they are definitely in a sombre mood today.

"You always think it happens to someone else, not on your doorstep. I did not see anything, just heard all of the helicopters going over.

"I have lived in the village for 15 years and I can't ever remember anything happening like this."

Another villager and business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said the crash has 'shaken up the village'.

"Everybody is just in shock and upset - there are no words that can be used for the loss felt," she said.

"It has shook the village, our hearts are bleeding. That was somebody who I was really close with - I classed them as friends, they weren't just customers. It is the worst thing I have ever seen here."

Other locals described this week's events as 'sobering' and like 'mayhem'.

A witness appeal has been launched by Dorset Police following the incident. 

Those with information are asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230021029.