A THREE car pile-up is causing severe delays and miles of tailbacks on a busy road.

The crash happened at about 9am and left oil spilled across the A27 at the junction with Firle Road, near West Firle.

A passerby said: "I have been sat in traffic for at least half-an-hour moving really slowly.

"The road is blocked both ways by Middle Farm, between Lewes and Polegate.

"Anyone who is looking to travel on the A27 should avoid it."

A traffic report said: "The A27 is partially blocked both ways causing severe delays and queueing traffic for seven miles due to recovery work. 

"It was caused by a crash with three vehicles involved and an oil spillage at Middle Farm (Ripe turn off).

"There is congestion stretching back to Beddingham Eastbound for two miles, and back past Drusillas's Roundabout to Polegate Westbound for about six miles."

An AA spokesman warned drivers to expect delays of 20 minutes on the A27 between the Glynde junction and Drusillas Park.

Reports say that the road has now been cleared and traffic is returning to normal.