A DRIVER has been arrested following a crash with an ambulance on its way to an emergency call.

The crash happened in Fairmile Road, near to the junction with Clarendon Road, at 2.35pm. The car involved was a Volkswagen Golf.

Road closures were in place at the junction with Timber Place, Stour Road and Bargates. These have now been lifted.

Bournemouth Echo:

The driver of the Golf suffered a minor injury and was treated at the scene.

A paramedic and an ambulance care assistant from the ambulance were taken to hospital.

Prior to the incident, an unmarked police car had illuminated its lights and requested for the driver of the Golf to stop.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by Steve Hogan

A 31-year-old man from Dorchester was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop when requested by police, driving without insurance, dangerous driving, drug driving and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence. He is assisting officers with enquiries.

Bournemouth Echo:

Picture by Steve Hogan

​Christchurch resident Steve Hogan passed by the scene shortly after the incident.

"It was carnage down there," he said.

"There was a lot of emergency services there, and a lot of traffic in the area.

"It's disturbing if the ambulance was on a call," he added.

A spokesperson for South Western Ambulance Service confirmed the ambulance was en route to an emergency at the time of the incident.

"We sent another ambulance to attend the original emergency," they said.

A senior paramedic and an ambulance crew dealt with the incident in Fairmile Road.

Police Inspector Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said an investigation into the circumstances of the crash was now under way.

He is appealing for any witnesses to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 20:239.

Alternatively, visit dorset.police.uk, or email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk.