A father-of-three died in the early hours of this morning when his car ploughed through the walls of four houses and overturned.

Paul Ashurst, 32, a mature student at Sussex University, died instantly in the crash in Upper Lewes Road, Brighton.

Mr Ashurst, of Hythe Road, Brighton, was believed to be married with three children.

His mother, who lives in Spain, is flying to Britain after being informed of the accident.

It is believed his green Rover Metro was being driven from Preston Circus along Viaduct Road and through the traffic lights into Upper Lewes Road.

Police are investigating the possibility it was travelling at speed and hit a lump in the road.

The car smashed through the front walls and railings of four properties on the other side of the road, sending masonry crashing through windows.

It then overturned, crossed the carriageway again and landed on its roof.

Mr Ashurst was cut from the wreckage by emergency services but pronounced dead at the scene from head injuries.

Residents have spoken of their shock. William Bone, 68, said he had not been to sleep since the crash and his wife was a 'bundle of nerves'.

He said: "The car, which was a green Rover, was absolutely squashed. They had to cut the driver out.

"The car knocked down the walls from four properties and my windows have been smashed with the rubble."

Sussex University spokesman Andrew Proctor said: "Students and staff are shocked at the news and deeply saddened."

There was another fatal crash near the scene in November 1999.

The smash in Ditchling Road killed Jamie White, 18, and led to the driver Gary Whibley, 19, being jailed for eight years for causing death by dangerous driving and one year for aggravated vehicle taking. A 72-year-old pedestrian suffered severe injuries in the crash.

Less than two hours before this morning's accident, a Renault Clio hit a tree and two parked cars near the BP service station in Ditchling Road. The driver fled the scene and there were no reports of injuries.