POLICE were called after a lorry toppled over while trying to lift a container.

Lyndhurst Road in Worthing was closed for hours today after the truck began to tip over, resting on two wheels next to another lorry.

Another crane was called in to stop the truck from falling over completely.

In a Tweet an Adur and Worthing Police spokesman said: "The second crane is here, attempting to lift the container. There is a lot of suspense."

Sussex Police were forced to shut the busy main road after a traffic built up at the Windsor Road junction, with residents being advised to take alternative routes.

The disruption continued as the police waited for a West Sussex Fire and Rescue team to come to the scene.

A police spokesman said: "A low loader with Palfinger-style crane became unstable while lifting a cargo container.

"The road has been shut to vehicle and foot traffic while the crane company assisted by West Sussex Fire and Rescue arrange for the load to be made safe."

In a follow-up Tweet Adur and Worthing police warned: "The road is likely to remain shut for some time now.  

"We will advise when it is open. It is closed to foot traffic also."