A man is fighting for his life after being hit by a car on the M23.

The 19-year-old man suffered life-threatening head injuries after the collision with the car at 11.49am this morning.

He was airlifted to the Royal London Free Hospital in Whitechapel after the collision in the northbound carriageway and is in a critical condition.

Minutes earlier a vehicle he had been travelling, and which was allegedly stolen, had been briefly pursued in Moat Road, East Grinstead. 

It had also been involved in a collision with another car in London Road in the town and had failed to stop at the scene.

The vehicle was finally abandoned in Stace Way and two men ran from the car.

A 33-year-old man from Crawley was arrested nearby on suspicion of being carried in a vehicle taken without consent and is currently in custody.

The other man from Crawley Down escaped on foot before being hit by a car driving northbound on the M23.

Police have referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as a matter of standard policy because of the police activity at the time.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the collision on the northbound carriageway of the M23 between junction 10a and 10.

The road had to be closed southbound for two hours and northbound for four hours to allow the casualty to be treated and for the air ambulance to land.

Roads Policing Unit Inspector Steve Grace said: "We are appealing for witnesses to come forward and we would like to thank drivers for their patience while the road was closed."

Anyone with information should ring 101 or email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Hadleigh.

Did you see what happened or know the person involved? Then call Neil Vowles on 01273 544530 or email neil.vowles@theargus.co.uk.  

 

 

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