A YOUNG driver who was flown to hospital after a crash on a rural country road late on Friday night has died.

As reported, the man suffered life-threatening injuries when his white Volkswagen Golf left the road and hit a tree just before 10.40pm.

Police, paramedics and firefighters were called to an unnamed road running from Chalbury Common to Holt Forest.

The driver was cut free and flown to Southampton General Hospital in a critical condition.

However, police yesterday said he died hours after the crash.

Sergeant Craig Tatton, of the traffic unit, said: “All of our thoughts are with this young man’s family and friends.

“Our investigation into the circumstances of this collision remain ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or was travelling in the area at the relevant time, to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would also ask any motorists who were driving along that road at the relevant time with dashcams fitted to please check their footage and contact me if they find anything that may be relevant to my investigation.”

The man's age was initially given by police as 21. However, this afternoon it was confirmed that he was 20.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 24:431. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.