A motorcyclist and his pillion passenger were killed in a high-speed crash which left a driver fighting for her life.

The 52-year-old biker and his passenger, a woman of 35, both from East Grinstead, were killed instantly when the bike was in collision with three cars on the A22 at East Hoathly, near Uckfield, at 6.30pm yesterday.

Fire crews spent an hour freeing the 26-year-old driver of a Volkswagen Polo which had rolled on to its roof on impact. She was airlifted to Eastbourne General Hospital where she is today in a critical but stable condition.

The drivers and passengers in the other two cars escaped serious injury and were treated at the scene.

Police sealed off a 100m stretch of the busy road, which was strewn with debris, and diversions were set up as an investigation was launched.

Assistant Divisional Officer Bob Trotter, of East Sussex Fire Brigade, said firefighters were shocked by the devastation.

He said: "It was unusual because of the amount of debris."

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "It was the most horrendous crash we have seen in a long time."

Police want any witnesses to come forward. Call Phil Clarke on 0845 6070999.