A four-year-old child and their mother had a lucky escape when a tree fell on their car as it drove through Hailsham.

The “fairly large tree” came down at about 12.40pm on the A271 in Lower Horsebridge near Hailsham.

Miraculously neither the child nor the mother were hurt in the accident but both were treated for shock.

East Sussex County Council is on the scene and is finding a tree surgeon to deal with the fallen wood.

The westbound carriageway is currently blocked as a result.

Roads policing seargeant Dan Pitcher tweeted this picture of the damaged car.

#A271 Hailsham, East Sussex. Delays due to a tree fallen on a car, thankfully no serious injuries. pic.twitter.com/HpEeV303zI

— Dan Pitcher (@DanPitcher) February 11, 2014