A 78-YEAR-OLD Southampton woman was killed in a head-on collision on a busy road.

The victim suffered fatal injuries in the crash which took place at Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Dorset, on Saturday afternoon.

Emergency services were called at 3.35pm following the crash, which involved a white Volvo V60 and a blue Citroen C4.

The driver of the Volvo - a 78-year-old woman from Southampton - was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment, but died later that evening. Her family have been informed.

The four occupants of the Citroen were taken to the hospital as a precaution but have since been discharged.

Police Sergeant Lee Savage, of the traffic unit, said: "My thoughts are with the woman's family at this difficult time.

"I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or the events leading up to it and have not yet spoken to officers to please come forward. I would also ask anyone with relevant dashcam footage to contact us."

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident occurrence number 55190002439, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.