A VEHICLE hit a tree leaving the road closed and traffic at a standstill on the A27.

The road is closed on the A27 Eastbound between the B2123 The Drove at the Falmer, Rottingdean Junction, and the A277 at the Ashcombe Roundabout.

Delays now stretch back to the A23 at Patcham.

One driver said: "I have sat here with my engine off for the last half hour, I’ve not moved a millimetre.

"I would recommend avoiding the area at all costs if possible."

Police, ambulance and fire services attended the scene.

A spokesman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue said: "We were called at 5.53pm to reports of one vehicle involved in a road traffic collision.

"We helped ambulance crews release one person who was trapped.

"Three appliances attended the scene."

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "We have units on the scene.

"We are arranging for recovery of the vehicle and will try to get lane two open shortly."

The AA website warned drivers to expect severe delays of 69 minutes with delays increasing.

Brighton and Hove buses posted on social media and said: "We've received reports of an accident on the A27, between Falmer and Kingston Ridge - traffic is currently at a standstill."

It diverted all Eastbound services via Falmer Road, the coast road, A26 and A27 to the Cuilfail Tunnel.

But, it later posted on social media to say these services had returned to normal.

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