A cyclist was tonight being treated in hospital after he was knocked down by a paramedic unit speeding to an emergency.

The man, who has not been named, was on his bike on Shaftesbury Avenue in Worthing when he was struck by the fast response car.

He was rushed to hospital but police this evening said his injuries were not life threatening.

The paramedic had been travelling at speed along the road at 7pm when the driver tried to overtake a slower-moving vehicle on the same side of the road.

As the response vehicle moved out it is believed it was struck by a car pulling out of Worthing Leisure Centre and flew across the carriageway, striking the cyclist.