Man dies after horror smash in Grand Parade in Brighton

A 28-year-old man has died after a car carrying four people crashed into a tree in Grand Parade in the centre of Brighton this morning.

The victim was one of four men travelling in a light Blue BMW which collided with a tree near the Ocean Rooms and across the road from Barfly, formerly the Gloucester.

Two other passengers, a 24 and 28 year-old were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment. Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

A 40-year-old local man, who was the driver of the car, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and is in custody

The road has been shut since the crash at 6.45am, causing traffic chaos in the city.

Emily Nia said on Twitter that she had seen blue lights just before hearing a crash as she walked her dog this morning.

She said: “I was walking my dog at St Peter’s Church. Walking back, I saw a blue light and heard a smash. I went back but the car was obscured by bushes.”

The one way system was closed until just before lunchtime with traffic advised to use an alternative route.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the BMW prior to the accident to please call them on 0845 6070999.

* Many roads in Hangleton and at the top end of Hove were busier than usual in the morning rush hour after a 50-year-old driver crashed in King George VI Avenue, known locally as Snakey Hill. He was not hurt and no one else was involved but the accident, which happened at about 8.30am, caused delays until about 10am.