A PEDESTRIAN has died after being knocked down by a hit-and-run driver who was being chased by police.

Police officers pursued a car towards Brighton where the Vauxhall knocked down a male pedestrian on St James's Street after 10pm.

The pedestrian died at the scene. 

The car did not stop and was found abandoned on Madeira Drive near Concorde 2.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said the pursuit started after the Vauxhall Astra failed to stop for police around 10pm in the Bear Road area of Brighton. The pursuit then continued into Brighton. 

The area around St James's Street and the Old Steine is currently closed.

A senior Sussex Police officer at the scene told The Argus the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been informed.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 101 or email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1346 of January 10.