Several homes in Dorset were evacuated after a car crashed into a garden and fractured a gas main.

The incident happened at about 2340 GMT on Thursday in Valley Road at Corfe Castle in Dorset.

A white Toyota car was travelling on the A351 when it crossed the eastbound carriageway, crashed through a hedge before coming to rest on a gas main and causing a gas leak.

Residents in four homes were moved to Harman's Cross village hall but were allowed to return early on Friday morning.

Two men were seen leaving the crash scene and officers carried out a search of the area, but failed to find anyone.

Dorset Police has now begun an investigation into the incident.