Two crashes caused rush-hour chaos along the main east-west route through Sussex today.

The first happened at 7am when a tractor and car collided on the eastbound carriageway of the A27, east of the Hollingbury turn-off, Brighton.

Police temporarily closed lanes on the A27 between Patcham and Hollingbury, diverting traffic travelling towards Lewes and Eastbourne.

The second accident, a minor shunt, happened an hour later on the westbound carriageway, east of the Hollingbury slip road.

Police suspect it was caused by drivers distracted by the first crash.

No one was seriously hurt in either accident but traffic tailbacks stretched several miles in both directions.