Two men were killed when their car crashed into a lamp post on the A27 near Brighton.

Their E-registered BMW was ripped apart as it smashed into the lamp post on the A27 just west of the A23 flyover near Brighton.

One witness told police they saw the vehicle travelling up Coldean Lane, Coldean, before it joined the bypass at Hollingbury.

It travelled a short distance on the bypass westward before hitting and knocking down the lamp post shortly before 9pm.

The carriageway was closed as emergency services arrived.

The Sussex Police helicopter hovered overhead in case either casualty needed airlifting to hospital.

One man had died and paramedics and a doctor tried in vain to save the second man but he died a short while later.

Both casualties were about 30 and lived locally. Police were informing relatives and were not releasing the victims' identities until all family members had been told.

Firefighters said the vehicle was so badly damaged they could not identify its make at first.

Leading Firefighter Peter Boakes, from Preston Circus fire station, said: "The roof had been ripped off and the back of the car was smashed. One driver who witnessed the crash was in shock."

Police are investigating the cause. Inspector Steve Higgs said: "We need to speak to witnesses and anyone who saw the vehicle before the crash."

Anyone with information should contact Sergeant Marcus Stuart on 0845 6070999.

Police today released the name of a man who died in a crash in Wartling Road, Pevensey, on Friday .

Kevin Comerford, 38, of Beechfield Close, Stone Cross, near Eastbourne, was driving a Ford Escort which left the road.