A car “overturned” on the A27 today.

Members of the public reported the car flipped over at 3.35pm on the westbound carriageway of the main road, near the Southwick Tunnel.

A second crash then occurred on the eastbound carriageway, police said.

A Sussex Police spokesman said tonight: “A car travelling west on the A27 hit the central reservation just before the entrance to the Southwick Tunnel and spun round. No other vehicles were involved and there is no current report of any injuries.

"One westbound lane was still open and there have been westbound delays but the Highways Agency are currently repairing the barrier.

"The driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol and is being taken to custody for interview and further enquiries.”

Referring to the second crash, they said: “There was a further but unrelated single car RTC on the westbound carriageway of the A27 near the Hangleton slip shortly before 4.30pm when a car hit the central reservation. The 30-year old woman driving the car is believed to have sustained slight injuries.”

At the same time a large piece of fabric caused traffic problems after it floated across the A27 at Patcham – but no delays were reported.