A 23-year-old man has died and seven others rushed to hospital after a multi-vehicle collision involving a police pursuit.
Emergency services were called on Saturday at 8.20pm to the northbound A21 in Robertsbridge in East Sussex after reports of a BMW car in a crash with three other vehicles.
Sussex Police confirmed the incident occurred following a pursuit by police, with the force referring itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
A spokesperson from Sussex Police said the driver of the BMW was a 23-year-old man from Halisham and was declared dead at the scene.
They said two other passengers in a different vehicle were taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries,’ while five others involved ‘suffered minor injuries’ requiring hospital treatment.
They added that the BMW ‘had been involved in a police pursuit shortly before the collision,’ and that the IOPC will conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme described the incident as ‘tragic’.
He said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family of this young man and all those affected.
‘An investigation is under way to understand the full circumstances and there will be increased police activity in the area while this is ongoing.
‘I would like to thank the public for their patience during the emergency response and for their understanding as our enquiries continue.
‘Anyone who has any information that could help the investigation, or relevant dashcam or CCTV footage, is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Drummer.’
