A MOTORCYCLIST has sustained “life changing” injuries in a crash on the A23.

A 61-year-old man from Colchester, Essex, had been riding a black Yamaha cruiser-style motorcycle when he collided with a barrier at about 6pm yesterday.

The A23, near Bolney, was closed in both directions to land an a helicopter from the Kent, Surrey and Sussex air ambulance

The man was eventually taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, by road ambulance.

The road was not fully re-opened until 8.45pmwhile the incident was dealt with and investigated.

The incident happened on the A23 northbound near its junction with the B2115 Cuckfield Lane, Warninglid.

Sergeant Mark Farrow, of Sussex Police, said: "We recognise the significant impact this would have had on motorists within the area and thank the public for their understanding and patience while we were dealing with this incident."

Anyone who saw what happened, who noticed the motorcycle being driven shortly before the collision or who may have relevant dash-cam footage is asked to contact police online, by email at collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or by phoning 101, quoting Operation Enslow.