A NEW lead has emerged as police continue investigating a Kemp Town hit-and-run episode that left a father seriously injured.

Police want to speak to this man in connection with the shocking incident on January 14 in Montague Place, Brighton.

This man is seen at around 4.20pm in The Premier Bristol Estate Convenience Store in Donald Hall Road, Brighton, on the same day as the collision buying lighter fluid.

Officers believe he may have a connection with the Fiat 500 - the car which drove through the pedestrian - which was later found in Madehurst Close, Brighton, having suffered fire damage.

Sergeant Dan Pitcher said: "We believe this man could be connected to the hit-and-run and has key information which would form part of our investigation. He bought the lighter fluid shortly after the collision.

"We are appealing to this man to come forward or anyone who knows who he is to come and speak to us."

The hit-and-run happened on Thursday, January 14, at 3.40pm.

The victim, 53-year-old Andy Payne from Hove, was hit by a Fiat 500 as he crossed Montague Place. The Fiat was being driven along Bristol Road before turning left into Montague Place where it collided with Mr Payne crossing the road. It didn't stop at the scene and carried on along Montague Place and turned right into College Street.

A 31-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of driving a vehicle dangerously, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, driving without a licence or insurance and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

A 56-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

They have both been bailed until April 3 while enquiries continue.

Email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Northdown.