Police are advising drivers in East Sussex of long delays in the Polegate to Lewes area around the A27 this afternoon (Thursday) which are likely to extend into the evening rush hour.

At 11.40am a 41-ton lorry with a load of aluminium overturned on to its side on the westbound A27 outside Folkington Manor Hotel between Polegate and Drusillas roundabout, and collided with a car.

Several other vehicles sustained minor damage.

The driver has been taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for treatment. There is no information on his condition at this stage Rescue services are at the scene working to release one or more occupants of the car. There is no information on conditions at this stage.

Inspector Steve Grace of the Sussex Road Policing Unit said; "The A27 will be closed between Drusillas and Polegate until further notice and we will be grateful for the assistance of drivers in following diversions which are in place, but also in avoiding the area altogether if possible.

"We will provide further updates as soon as possible."

4.45PM UPDATE: The driver of the container lorry was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton to be treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Rescue services released the driver of the car, who was its sole occupant, but sadly he was confirmed dead at the scene. He is believed to be a man in his late forties who does not come from Sussex. Next of kin are being contacted.