A father was killed in front of his two young sons when their Porsche sports car spun out of control, hit a tree and landed on its roof.

Police said 40-year-old businessman Brian Coghlan lost control of his black GT2 as he drove his sons, aged six and seven, west along the A27 between Fontwell and Chichester.

The car hit a tree and rolled on to its roof at noon yesterday.

Mr Coghlan was killed instantly. His two sons climbed from the wreckage, unaware their father was dead.

Mr Coghlan's wife is believed to have been following her family in a car behind. She raised the alarm and police and paramedics raced to the scene.

Fire crews from Chichester also attended the scene, 500 yards west of the A27 junction with Level Mare Lane, near Fontwell Park Race Course.

The two boys were treated for minor injuries and shock at the scene.

Firefighters used airbags and hydraulic equipment to free Mr Coghlan's body from the car.

The road was partially closed for some time while police began an investigation into the cause of the accident.

The mother and two sons were at home in Old Rectory Drive, Eastergate, near Chichester, coming to terms with the tragedy today.

A police spokesman said: "Any witnesses to the crash are asked to contact the road policing unit at Chichester on 0845 6070999."