Man hands himself in over Brighton hit and run

A man has handed himself in over the fatal hit and run which killed a 78-year-old man at the Old Steine in Brighton last night.

The 33-year-old Brighton was was arrested when he handed himself in to police this morning, hours after the crash at the junction Old Steine and St James’s Street at around 10pm.

The shocking hit and run happened as the car was being pursued by police after failing to stop for officers near Bear Road at 10pm last night.

Officers pursued the car towards Brighton where the Vauxhall collided with the 78-year-old pedestrian, who sadly died at the scene. The car didn’t stop and was found abandoned soon after on Madeira Drive near Concorde 2.

The 33-year-old man who handed himself in has now been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, drink driving, failing to stop for police and failing to report an accident. He remains in custody.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission have been informed and have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances of the police pursuit.

Sergeant Richard Hornsey said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this time.

“We continue to appeal to anyone who saw what happened or has any other information to contact police here or on collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Beresford.”