THREE people were taken to hospital after a car crashed into parked vehicles in Bridport town centre in the early hours.

Police said the driver reportedly fled the scene following the crash in South Street early on Sunday, prompting a search.

Four people who were passengers in the car were checked by paramedics and three of them went to hospital for further treatment.

A number of cars were damaged in the collision.

A 28-year-old man from Bridport is due in court next month in connection with the incident.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "We received a report at 2.19am on Sunday, May 19, of a collision in South Street in Bridport involving a single vehicle that had reportedly collided with a number of parked cars.

"It was reported the driver of the car had left the scene on foot.

"The four passengers were checked over by the ambulance service and three of them were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that were not believed to be serious."

Following enquiries by Dorset Police, a 28-year-old Bridport man was arrested and charged with driving without due care and attention, driving when his alcohol level was above the legal limit, failing to stop after a road accident and failing to report an accident.

He is due to appear at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 7.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. 

Police Constable Shaun Elliott, of Dorchester police, said: “While someone has been charged for these offences, we are continuing to investigate this incident and full circumstances of how it occurred.

“I would urge any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please contact us.

“I am also keen to hear from any motorists who were driving in the vicinity and may have captured relevant dashcam footage.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240074493.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.