A MAN has been released without charge after a pedestrian died after being hit by a BMW on the A27.

The 59-year-old man was struck on the stretch of the road at Lancing at around 6.05am yesterday.

The driver of the black BMW, a 58-year-old man from Climping, suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital by paramedics.

He was later released from hospital and police arrested him on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

This morning a Sussex Police spokesman said the driver had been released without charge.

As reported by The Argus, the pedestrian was hit about 500 metres east of the Lancing Manor Roundabout.

Paramedics fought to save him but he died shortly afterwards at the scene.

The accident led to major traffic delays as the A27 was closed to eastbound traffic between the roundabout and the A283 Steyning interchange.

Sergeant Alan Spicer, from the Sussex Police serious collision investigation team, said: “We are appealing for anyone who was on that stretch of the A27 at around 6am on Thursday and who saw what happened to contact us.”

Police said members of the man’s family have been informed of his death.

The identity of the man has not yet been released.

The coroner has launched an investigation into his death.

Last night people took to social media to pay tribute to the man.

Angela Gooden said: “Terrible news. My condolences to the gentleman’s family.”

Alan Herbert said: “It really does make you remember how delicate life is when you see the emergency services and a scene like that.

“I haven’t stopped being able to think about it all day. My condolences go to his family.”

Anyone who saw the collision should email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting Operation Anwick.