Man dies in multi-car crash after pursuit

A man has died and several people have been seriously injured after a vehicle involved in a police pursuit crashed.

Police said a BMW collided with three other vehicles on the A21 in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, at about 20:20 BST on Saturday.

The driver of the BMW involved in the pursuit, a 23-year-old man from Hailsham, died at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.

Two passengers in another vehicle were taken to hospital with serious injuries, while several other people suffered minor injuries requiring hospital treatment.

The A21 between Battle and Hurst Green was closed in both directions but has since reopened.

As a result of the pursuit shortly before the crash, a referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), police said.

Det Supt Andy Wolstenholme, of Sussex Police, said: "This was a tragic incident, and 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."

The IOPC said it understood the pursuit began in the Hastings area, adding that it was "independently investigating" the incident.

"Our investigation will look at police actions prior to the fatal collision," a spokesperson said.

Additional reporting by PA Media

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.