Fatal A23 crash near Bolney: Cuckfield man, 23, dies in collision between car and lorry

Police said they are now appealing for witnesses following the fatal crash, which happened at about 5.15am on Sunday, July 10.

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: "Investigating officers are particularly keen to speak with the occupants of a dark coloured Ford who stopped at the scene but left prior to police arrival.

“The car involved in the collision, a black Nissan Qashqai, was travelling towards oncoming traffic southbound along the carriageway before colliding with the articulated lorry.”

Police said they attended the scene alongside colleagues from West Sussex Fire & Rescue and SECAmb.

A police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately the driver of the Nissan Qashqai, a 23-year-old man from Cuckfield, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His next-of-kin have been informed.”

Both the southbound and the northbound carriageways of the A23 have been closed for most of the day between Pease Pottage and Warninglid to allow for investigation and recovery work to continue safely.

At 2.15pm PC Simon Dove tweeted: “Northbound carriageway now being opened.

“Southbound with Highways to open once they have cleaned the carriageway. Thank you for your patience.”

Police have asked for anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help officers with the investigation to report it police by emailing [email protected], quoting Operation Riverhill.

At 1.54pm Sussex Roads Police tweeted: “A number of vehicles have reportedly been travelling the wrong way up slip roads to avoid the current road closures on the #A23. Please do not do this.”