A DRIVER has died after timber fell from a lorry and smashed through the windscreen of his car.

The incident happened on the A26 in Newhaven shortly after 7am today and police remain on the scene.

Police tape was used to cordon off the highway and the road remained closed for eight hours.

The Argus:

Sussex Police said officers had closed the road after a lorry had "lost a load of timber".

A spokesman for the force said: "Emergency services were called to the scene in New Road at 7.33am on Wednesday.

"Sadly, the 28-year-old driver of the BMW from Burgess Hill died at the scene.

"The road remained closed at 1pm while investigation and recovery work was carried out and was not expected to reopen until mid-afternoon.

The Argus:

"The Health and Safety Executive has been advised.

"A 32-year-old man from Eastbourne was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remained in custody at 1pm on Wednesday.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Grove."

The Argus:

The road was reopened shortly after 3pm.

Speaking at 3.21pm, Sergeant Richard Hobbs of the Sussex Road Policing Unit said: "I can confirm the road is now open.

"Thank you for your understanding and patience while we carried out our investigation."