A CAR and a white Ford Transit van crashed last night, leaving a pensioner with serious head injuries.

The accident happened on the A2011 Crawley Avenue in Crawley at about 9.20pm.

Three fire engines from the town were called to the scene, where crews had to use specialist cutting gear to free the 77-year-old man from his black Chrysler Grand Voyager.

From Horley, the man was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton by ambulance to be treated for his injuries.

Last night a spokesman for Sussex Police said a section of Crawley Avenue between the Sandman Signature Hotel and leading up to the M23 was to be closed for some time while emergency services dealt with the crash. The road was opened again early this morning.

South East Coast Ambulance despatched several vehicles as it was thought there were multiple casualties but there was only the one.

Witnesses should email collisions.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Cubit.