A WOMAN became trapped inside a car after a collision with a gritter lorry.

A black Ford Focus car and a yellow gritting lorry were involved in a collision on the A24 near Buckbarn Crossroads, west of Cowfold, at around 11pm last night.

Three crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene within five minutes and heavy lifting equipment was used to cut the car and pull the female passenger out.

She was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton by ambulance.

The car driver, a 31-year-old man from Southampton, was also taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital and treated for shock and whiplash injuries.

The lorry driver, a 27-year-old man from Waterlooville, Hampshire, was unhurt.

Both vehicles were travelling south at the time of the collision.

The A24 southbound was temporarily closed while the incident was dealt with.

Sussex Police were also in attendance.

The fire service left the scene shortly after midnight.