FOUR people have been arrested after a man died in a hit and run car crash near Henfield.

A black Vauxhall Insignia car was travelling southbound on the A2037 Shoreham Road between Henfield and Small Dole when it lost control and hit a tree at 12.17am this morning.

The passenger, a man, died at the scene but the driver made off from site.

Police have arrested four people in connection with the collision including a 22-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man aged who were both detained on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop.

A 26-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and a 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. They remain in custody.

The road was closed for nine hours for investigation and recovery work to take place but has now re-opened.

Detective sergeant Rob Baldwin said: "We would like to hear from anyone who saw the Vauxhall Insignia travelling southbound prior to the collision or the incident itself or if anyone has dashcam or CCTV footage of the collision to come forward."

Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Pitstone.