A man was killed when his car spun off the A283 in West Sussex, crashed into a tree and burst into flames.

The 36-year-old, believed to be from Findon, was driving a Vauxhall Astra when the crash happened yesterday evening.

Witnesses tried to free the man, who has not been named, but were unable to help him before the vehicle became engulfed in flames.

Emergency services were called to the scene, Washington Road in Wiston, near Steyning, at 6pm but were unable to save the driver.

Fire crews from Steyning and Storrington and a heavy rescue tender from Worthing used hydraulic equipment to cut the victim from his car. He was declared dead at the scene.

An onlooker said: "Members of the public tried helping to get him out but they couldn't. He was too badly trapped."

Police today launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, near Wiston House stately home.

Witnesses should call Sergeant Larry Culver, of Haywards Heath traffic police, on 0845 6070999.