THE A27 Brighton bypass was blocked westbound tonight when a car overturned.

Traffic came to a standstill after the car crashed and rolled onto its side between Coldean Lane, at the Hollingbury and Ditchling junction, and the A23.

The incident was first reported at about 7.10pm.

The road has since reopened and the accident has been cleared.

Dog handlers were called to track down the driver, who was not at the scene when police arrived, but the motorist could not be found.

The Argus:

One driver caught in the traffic posted on social media and said: "I’ve had such a long day.

"I haven’t been home since 7.30 this morning and I’ve been sat in standstill traffic on the A27 for 20 minutes now.

"I just want my bed."

One witness reported: "Traffic is being turned around and sent the wrong way up the Asda slip road now!"

Another posted on Twitter: "Nightmare - must have been 20 police vehicles shepherding cars off the A27."

A police spokesman said earlier this evening: "The crash happened 200 yards from the junction with the A23.

"A vehicle rolled and there's debris on the road.

"We have currently got the road closed to recover the vehicle, and there is also oil on the road.

"The driver is not on the scene.

"No injuries have been reported."

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