The driver of a car which crashed into parked vehicles in Hove fled the scene in the early hours of the morning and returned with another man.
Police believe the driver may have swapped t-shirts with his friend in an attempt to cause confusion about who was driving when the accident happened.
An appeal has now been launched for witnesses and private CCTV footage which could shed more light on the crash, which happened at 3.20am on Friday outside the Co-Op on The Parade on Hangleton Road, at the junction with Elm Drive.
A police spokesman said: “The driver was unhurt and ran away from the scene, but returned soon afterwards with another man. It appeared they may have swapped t-shirts to cause confusion as to who was actually driving at the time of the crash.
“Officers would like to hear from anyone who saw the collision or contact between the two suspects. They are also keen to secure any CCTV footage which may help establish exactly what happened.”
The car which crashed was a black Ford Fiesta, which hit a parked and unattended black Range Rover Vogue and a blue Volkswagen LT/35 van, also parked by the kerb.
Anyone who may have information that could assist police is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting serial 129 of 10/06.
Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).
Two men – a 25-year-old from Shoreham-by-Sea and a 21-year-old from Hove – have both been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving. Both have been bailed until 26 July while enquiries continue.
