A VAN driver is to face court accused of dangerous driving following an incident with a cyclist.

Shocking video footage emerged apparently showing a white van driver trying to force a cyclist off the A272 at Cowfold in April. It sparked widespread outrage after being shared on social media.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "The van driver has been summoned to Crawley Magistrates' Court on July 19 to face a charge of dangerous driving."

The van driver’s boss issued a public apology and dismissed the driver.

The clip shows a white van swerving across the road, almost knocking the rider off his bike and forcing him on to the grass verge.

Managing director Ian Frazer of London-based Vidette UK leisure refurbishment wrote to express his “sincere apologies” to the cyclist for the “very irresponsible and dangerous move” by his engineer on Sunday April 30.

He added: “My wife and I are both very keen cyclists ourselves so fully appreciate the impact/trauma that a near miss like this would have on anyone in this situation.

“He stated that he was having personal problems with his family and his mind ‘was all over the place’ and that he is so sorry.”