AN ELDERLY man has died after a crash on a notorious coast road out of Bridport.

The 79-year-old pensioner was one of three people injured in the smash on the B3157 between Bridport and Burton Bradstock on bank holiday Monday.

He died in hospital on Friday.

Police said the man died suddenly and unexpectedly and have now appealed for witnesses who may have seen the two cars collide, on the road between the golf club and Freshwater caravan park, to come forward.

Acting Sergeant Steve Hughes, of Dorset Police's road policing unit stationed at Dorchester, said: "A red Seat Toledo saloon car travelling towards Weymouth and a white Vauxhall Vectra estate car collided head on.

"Sadly, the health of a rear seat passenger in the Vauxhall suddenly deteriorated and he died in Dorset County Hospital on Friday evening.

"The victim, a 79-year-old man from the Dorchester area sustained what were thought to be non life-threatening injuries in the collision. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

"I'm appealing for witnesses to the collision to come forward, and I'd particularly like to hear from anyone who witnessed the manner of driving of either vehicle before the collision, the white Vauxhall travelling west and the red Seat travelling east."

The crash happened at just before 2pm.

The injured were taken to Dorset County Hospital at Dorchester for treatment. The driver and only occupant of the red Seat, a 22 year old man from Martock, Somerset, was allowed home after treatment for his injuries.

All three occupants of the Vauxhall were from the Dorchester area. The driver, a 43-year-old woman, was released home after treatment for wrist injuries.

A 57-year-old man is still receiving treatment in Southampton Hospital's neurological unit for neck injuries.

Acting Sgt Hughes said: "It's very important that I hear from anyone who witnessed the collision, or the manner of driving of either vehicle before the collision, as this will give me a better picture of the full circumstances."

Witnesses and anyone with any information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222 222.

Alternatively there is the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.