Lorry trapped in pub’s scaffolding near Portslade Station

Firefighters worked to remove the pieces of scaffolding metal from the Victoria pub in Victoria Road which were lodged in the lorry’s roof.

Li Luo is the owner of Yummies Chinese takeaway and lives above the shop which is next door to the pub.

She said: “I heard big bang when it was very early at about 6.30am.

“We heard but at the time we did not pay it much attention.

“A little later me and the neighbours went outside and saw the fire engines.”

Two engines and more than a dozen crew members helped dismantle the scaffolding for an hour while police closed the road.

Traffic was stopped from travelling on part of Victoria and Boundary roads and trains were diverted away from Portslade Station.

Bus routes 6 and 46 were also diverted.

The Victoria pub said: “A vehicle struck scaffolding but no one was injured and the pub has reopened for business as usual.”

The lorry was from JB transport but courier company did not wish to comment on the incident.

A spokeswoman for East Sussex fire and rescue service said: “At 07:43, crews from Hove, Preston Circus and Lewes were called to attend a public house in Portslade following reports of a lorry hitting scaffolding. 

“Crews closed the road and used a ladder to help access and dismantle the scaffolding. 

“They left the scene at 09:05 and Victoria Road was reopened.”