23 December 2023 , 12:42
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A murder investigation is underway after a young man was struck by a white van before the motorist allegedly drove away.
Motorists and the public should avoid the area near Preston Park in Brighton, East Sussex, following the collision, which happened at 5am today. The white van is reported to have collided with the 26-year-old man, who was a pedestrian, before making off from the scene.
The vehicle was identified and stopped on the A27 in nearby Worthing, later this morning. The driver – a 40-year-old man from Brighton – was arrested on suspicion of murder and transported into police custody. The victim, who is from Brighton, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Forensic officers have been pictured at the scene, which is in the Preston area of the seaside resort, an affluent suburb home to trendy restaurants, bars and cafés. A big cordon near Preston Park, a large green space, remains in place as officers investigate the collision.
Speaking this afternoon, Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: "Firstly, I’d like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim at this difficult time."
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Police continue to investigate after the crash (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)Det Ch Vickers continued: "We are in the early stages of this fast-moving investigation and I’d like to reassure the public that a suspect has been arrested. There will be a significant police presence in the area as we seek to establish the circumstances around this tragic incident, and I would urge anyone with information to come forward. I appreciate this will cause disruption to local traffic, and I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding."
Speaking earlier, a spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "Police are currently responding to a serious collision in Preston Road, Brighton. A section of the road has been closed between Preston Drove and Knoyle Road, and motorists are advised to avoid the area in the meantime."
At least two ambulances, paramedics, roughly a dozen police officers and a number of scene of crime investigators have been seen on the street this morning. A black tent was reportedly erected. The suburb is only approximately three miles from the Brighton seafront, and around two miles from Brighton Train Station.
Detectives are now appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone with any information about the incident is aske to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Barclay.