PART of the A259 is closed after a horror crash.

The incident happened at about 1pm in Portslade, near the junction with William Street.

Pictures of the scene show a severely damaged car as well as debris scattered across the road.

The Argus:

One man believed to have been involved in the crash was held down by passers-by at the scene.

A passer-by said: "My workmate Darren saw what happened, he said some guy crashed into a load of cars then someone sat on him."

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Police received a report of a four-vehicle collision on the A259 Waterside Road, Southwick, about 1pm today. 

"Passers-by detained a man in his 20s until police arrived at the scene, and he was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. 

"The suspect has been taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital as a precaution. Four other people reported minor injuries. 

"A section of the road is likely to remain closed until at least 4.30pm while forensics investigations are carried out at the scene."

The Argus:

One passer-by sent out a warning to drivers in the area.

They said: “Avoid the A259 between Portslade and Southwick.

“There’s been an accident involving several cars and they have closed the road.”

Another added: "I didn't see what happened but I was caught up in the chaos which has infected roads all around the area and even beyond.

"What a terrible sight of mayhem and carnage.

"I would like to extend my thanks to the members of the public who grabbed the driver and held him down until he could be arrested.

"That's what I call a proper citizen's arrest. 

"Numerous people's cars have been written off and people could have been killed."

The Argus:

An AA spokesman said that traffic was being diverted around the crash site.

He said: "The road is closed and there is very slow traffic due to and accident on the A259 Fishersgate Terrace both ways between the junctions with The Gardens and St Richard's Road.

"Traffic is diverting via local roads.

"Further delays are building up in Gardner Road and West Road as a result."

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Did you witness this incident? Contact the Argus newsroom on 01273 021391 or message us at facebook.com/brightonargus

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