A boy is recovering in hospital after crashing through a car's windscreen in an accident on the A27 at Lancing.

The 13-year-old's friends watched in horror as he was thrown across the bonnet of the Mercedes car outside Boundstone Community College at 6.25pm yesterday.

He was taken to Worthing Hospital, where he is in a serious condition.

Glynnis Cooke, head teacher at the college, said: "We are extremely saddened that there has been yet another accident on the A27 outside Boundstone.

"Our thoughts are with the pupil involved and his family. This is obviously a very difficult time for them and the boy's friends who witnessed the accident."

Mrs Cooke added: "Although it's of little comfort in the current situation, we do anticipate that within the next 18 months there will, at long last, be a bridge over the A27 outside the school."

The 45-year-old driver of the Mercedes was treated for shock at the scene.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the crash to contact them on 0845 6070 999.