A motorcyclist has been arrested following the death of an 81-year-old woman who was knocked down.

The pedestrian suffered serious injuries after being hit on the B2140 Worthing Road, near the junction with Copse View, East Preston, at about 3.35pm yesterday.

She was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital by air ambulance.

Sussex Police confirmed she later died of her injuries.

Her next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.

The motorcyclist, an 18-year-old man from Worthing, received minor injuries.

The man was taken to Worthing Hospital for treatment and was later discharged.

He has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody at this time.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Enquiries are continuing and officers are eager to obtain relevant CCTV or dashcam footage, as well as speaking to anyone who may have witnessed the collision.

“Any relevant information is asked to be reported to police by calling 101 or emailing collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Shilton.”