Two people have been killed in a five-vehicle crash in the middle of this morning's rush-hour.

The accident happened at the Buck Barn crossroads on the A24 near West Grinstead just before 8am.

It is thought four vehicles and a petrol tanker were involved in the accident.

Police, fire crews and ambulance were called to the scene and witnesses said wreckage was strewn across the road. Police closed the southbound carriageway immediately.

The crash led to traffic chaos , with tailbacks stretching as far as Cowfold, near Horsham.

There were further tailbacks on the A283 at Storrington and diversions were set up "all over the place" according to police.

A Sussex Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "This has been a severe accident. It was a double fatality."

There has been a string of accidents on the A24, which carries a large volume of traffic to Worthing every day, in recent years.

A woman was injured at Buck Barn crossroads last July and suffered head and neck injuries.

The mangled remains of two of the cars involved in today's accident were still in the southbound lane late this morning and the road was expected to remain closed for some time.

Police closed all approach roads to the scene, including the A24 junction with the A272 at West Grinstead.

It is understood that although a petrol tanker was involved, there was no spillage of fuel. Safety experts were examining the scene this morning.