A MAN has been arrested after the death of a pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run.

It follows a police chase where a Vauxhall Astra failed to stop and knocked down and fatally injured a 78-year-old man at the junction Old Steine and St James's Street at around 10pm last night.

The suspect handed himself in to a police station this morning.

The 33-year-old man, from Brighton, has now been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, drink driving, failing to stop for police and failing to report an accident. He remains in custody.

The Vauxhall Astra had failed to stop for officers around 10pm in the Bear Road area of Brighton.

They pursued the car towards Brighton where the Vauxhall collided with the 78-year-old pedestrian, who died at the scene.

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

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) have been informed and have begun an independent investigation into the circumstances of the police pursuit.

Sergeant Richard Hornsey, of Sussex Police, said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this time."

Witnesses or those with information are asked to contact Sussex Police via email on collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Beresford.