POLICE have arrested a man suspected of driving while unfit through drink or drugs after a car crashed into a central reservation in the early hours.

Two men were injured in the collision on the A259 Brighton Road in Shoreham as the impact flipped a black Seat Ibiza on to its roof at about midnight.

The crash happened opposite the B&Q store.

The driver of the Seat suffered minor injuries and was taken to Worthing Hospital for treatment.

The 23-year-old man from Southwick was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drink or drugs, obstructing police and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

He is currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.

The passenger, a 23-year-old man from Lancing, sustained serious injuries to his arm, body and head in the crash and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for treatment.

Police say his wounds are "not life threatening".

The Argus:

The force has now launched Operation Maxim as officers look to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash, urging anyone with information on the incident to contact them

A force spokesman said: "Anyone who saw what happened, and anyone who saw the car being driven earlier in the evening in the Lancing area, is asked to contact Sussex Police either online, or by emailing collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting Operation Maxim."

The front of the vehicle was destroyed with a recovery lorry needed to take it away.

As a result, the road was closed for more than seven hours as recovery crews worked at the scene.

The Argus:

Police tape was stretched across the highway as officers carried out accident investigation work while the car was removed.

Bus services were forced to divert as a result of the road closure.

A spokesman for bus company Stagecoach said: "Our Coastliner 700 services between Worthing and Brighton are diverting via Eastern Avenue and Boundary Road due to a police road closure at Lidl in Shoreham.

The Argus:

"A shuttle will operate between Kingston Lane and Portslade.

"Please allow extra time for your journey."

The road was reopened at about 8am, with the Stagecoach spokesman confirming services had returned to normal shortly afterwards.

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