A BMW driver has been arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after crashing into two pedestrians - leaving them seriously injured.

A 69-year-old woman, from Rottingdean, sustained life threatening injuries and is in a critical condition and a 61-year-old man, also from Rottingdean, sustained serious injuries in the collision.

The driver, a 40-year-old man from Newhaven, who was uninjured, was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs, driving without due care and attention and driving without a licence.

The black BMW X5 hit the pedestrians on the A259 Marine Drive, Rottingdean, close to the junction with Chailey Avenue.

A resident living nearby who wished to remain anonymous said: “I just heard a massive bang from the road outside my house.

“It took quite a while for police to turn up but there were a lot of lights when they did.

“I didn’t really see much of the people involved in the accident.”

A resident of Chailey Avenue was heading home later in the evening when she saw the aftermath of the collision.

She said: "I was driving home just before 11pm and I could see lots of blue lights flashing on the road.

"I couldn't see the driver or any other people apart from emergency services at that time.

"I do know that there are lots of people who just drive past the red light at the crossing there though.

"We have heard and seen that a lot.

"I think it would be a lot safer if there was a zebra crossing put in place on this part of the road.

"There are lots of elderly people living around here.

"I hope the two people are not too badly hurt."

The two pedestrians were both taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton shortly after the collision at about 9pm.

They are both still in hospital receiving care at this stage.

The driver has now been released under investigation.

Motorists were warned to avoid the area and Brighton and Hove bus services were diverted due to the incident.

Anyone who saw what happened is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting Operation Rhodium or call police on 101.