A CAR passenger was killed when the vehicle she was travelling in left the road and smashed into a tree.

The 91-year-old woman was in a grey Volkswagen Eos convertible being driven northbound by a 68-year-old woman from Rodmell, near Lewes,

The accident happened on the A26 at Herons Ghyll, between Uckfield and Crowborough, at 12.10pm on Monday.

The woman, from Crowborough, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was seriously injured and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, for treatment.

Two other vehicles travelling in the opposite direction took avoiding action but no one from these vehicles was hurt.

The road was closed for more than five hours while an investigation took place and the scene was cleared.

Officers want to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, particularly the driver of a tanker, to contact them.

Call 101, quoting Operation Chepstow.

Alternatively use the eform at sussex.police.uk/appealresponse