Two people die within hours during day of horror on our roads

A van driver died in Uckfield and, about an hour later, an elderly pedestrian was fatally injured when she was hit by a lorry near Newhaven.

The woman, in her 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash happened on the A26 New Road, near Paradise Park, shortly after noon.

The air ambulance was called to the scene but Sussex Police later confirmed the woman had died.

A spokeswoman said: “Emergency services attended reports of a collision involving a lorry and a pedestrian at 12.04pm today.

“The pedestrian – a woman in her 70s – was pronounced dead at the scene.”

An hour earlier, a driver was killed in a crash involving a lorry and a van.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the fatal collision on the A26 at the junction of Horsted Lane, Uckfield.

The articulated lorry was travelling towards Lewes when it collided with the van at 10.48am.

Yesterday afternoon, a spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the driver of the van sadly died at the scene. The lorry driver was not hurt.”

He said the road was closed in both directions while emergency services dealt with the collision and was likely to remain shut for several hours. Motorists were asked to avoid the area.

PC David Upjohn said: “We are appealing for witnesses to this serious collision. If anyone saw it happen or has any dash-cam footage, please contact us. You can report online or call 101 quoting Operation Redwood.”0

Shortly afterwards, at about 3.30pm, the fire service was called to a car and van crash on the A272 between Wisborough Green and Billingshurst. South East Coast Ambulance also attended and the road was closed for some time.