THREE people could have died in a crash in Dorset had they not been wearing seatbelts, according to the fire crew that rescued them.

At about 4.38am on Sunday, an ambulance crew and two fire engines from Sherborne Fire Station were sent out following reports of a crash on the A3030 in Alweston.

One woman was trapped in the car while two other passengers had managed to escape the crumpled wreck of the car before help arrived.

Fire crews helped to free the woman by using hydraulic cutting equipment to release her. She was then left in the care of the ambulance crew who took her to hospital.

Sherborne firefighters said afterwards: "All occupants were wearing seatbelts which undoubtedly saved their lives."

The crews returned to the station at 6.35am.