A SERIOUSLY injured man thought to be missing after being involved in a car crash has been located by police after visiting Dorset County Hospital for treatment.

The man had sparked a helicopter and police dog search as he was believed to be involved in a collision which occurred just after midnight on Wednesday morning on the A3066 Bridport to Beaminster in Melplash.

A spokesman for Dorset Police confirmed the man has not been arrested at present and said: "We have located the man who is receiving treatment in hospital for his injuries. Enquiries are ongoing. 

"A 24-year-old man from Bridport who was arrested has been released on police bail until February."

Police are appealing for information about the incident and believe the collision may be linked to an earlier altercation which took place on East Street on Tuesday night.

According to Dorset Police a red Ford Fiesta, registered to a man from Bridport, left the road and went into the verge.

One man was found at the scene and received treatment to minor cuts.

Speaking yesterday, Police Sergeant Nikki Burt of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit said: “We believe a second man was in the vehicle at the time of the collision and may have sustained serious injuries.

“We are keen to find this man to ensure he receives medical treatment. I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have seen a red Ford Fiesta being driven in and around the Bridport area on Tuesday evening, to call me in confidence.”

An overnightsearch of the area close to the A3066 was carried out and involved police officers, the dog section and the NPAS helicopter, but nothing was found.

The road was closed overnight to allow collision investigators to examine the scene. It reopened at 8.21am on Wednesday.

A 24-year-old man from Bridport has been arrested on suspicion of traffic offences and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Speaking yesterday, Insp. Mike Darby of Bridport Police said: “We believe the incident was potentially linked to an altercation in Bridport town centre earlier, which happened in East Street at around 11.30pm last night."

He stressed no weapons were used in the altercation and there were no serious injuries as a result of that incident.

He added: “We had reports of the collision, which we later linked to the altercation. Due to the scene of the accident we believe a second person was involved.

“One man was detained and is currently in custody. We are concerned about the welfare of the second man.

“We are appealing for witnesses to both incidents, including anybody who was walking along that road at around midnight.”

Witnesses and anyone with information about either incident should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 28:1.

Alternatively, call the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.