Sussex Police closed London Road (A273), Hassocks, near the Friars Oak pub.

The fatal smash involved a VW Polo being driven by a local woman and a Ford Fiesta being driven by a man from Lewes.

Sussex Police have confirmed that the female driver, a local resident, suffered critical injuries and died at the scene.

The male driver of the Ford Fiesta also suffered critical injuries and was been taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Two heavily damaged vehicles were being loaded on to a recovery truck.

The collision happened at 2.38pm.

Mark Elliot, 38, from Ditchling, said: "I was sat outside the pub here and heard the sirens. I had a look down the road but there was a lot of police and an ambulance. I didn't go any closer because there was a lot of wreckage."

Firefighters from across the county attended along with police officers and paramedics.

A Sussex Police spokesman confirmed that they were investigating the cause of the tragic accident.

Sussex Police have appealed for witnesses to contact them quoting Operation Morven serial 1068 of June 14.

Anyone with information should call 0845 60 70 999.

Did you know the woman involved in today's accident? Leave your tributes below.