Man dies in A21 crash

Emergency services were called to the stretch of road at Hurst Green, at the junction with the A229 Merriments Lane, just before 4.15pm, following reports a silver VW Golf had collided with a silver Cherokee Jeep.

Fire crews from Battle and Hastings tried to free the 26-year-old driver of the Golf, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Wednesday police formerly identified the driver as Christopher Lloyd from Cannon Hill Road, Birmingham.

Mr Lloyd’s passenger, a 22-year-old woman also from Birmingham, was airlifted to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford with serious injuries.

Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Floral tributes have been laid by the side of the road close to the scene of the accident.

The 51-year-old driver of the Jeep and his three passengers, two girls aged 10 and 11 and a 45-year-old woman, all from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, were taken to Pembury Hospital with minor injuries, including whiplash and bruising.

The road was closed for five hours whilst East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service made the area safe and officers from the Forensic Collision Investigation and Reconstruction Unit carried out investigations.

Fire crews were on scene until 8.30pm.

A spokesperson from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “The thoughts of the service and condolences are with the family and friends of those involved at this very difficult time.”

Sergeant Dan Pitcher from East Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “This is a very tragic incident and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or saw either of the cars prior to it to please contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Lanner.”