A police officer died after his vehicle left the road and crashed at Bradford on Avon last night.

He was driving along Westwood Road towards Trowbridge at around 8pm when he apparently lost control, Wiltshire Police said.

A force spokesman said: "Sadly, the officer driving was pronounced dead at the scene."

Wiltshire Police said the officer lost control on a left-hand bend and veered off the road.

The force's Serious Collision Investigation Team is investigating.

The road was closed for several hours as were Chilmark Road, Cock Hill to Westwood Road and Wingfield Road.

The spokesman added: "Wiltshire Police were called to the scene of a road traffic collision at 8pm on Westwood Road, near Bradford on Avon.

"The car involved was a marked Wiltshire Police vehicle travelling towards Trowbridge and was being driven by a male serving police officer.

"At this time it would appear the vehicle lost control on a left- hand bend and left the road. "Great Western Ambulance Service attended but sadly the officer had sustained very serious injuries and died at the scene.

"An investigation is currently being conducted into the circumstances surrounding the collision."

Anyone who saw anything is asked to call 0845 408 7000.