Update: Brighton man arrested after fatal hit and run

A 78-year-old local man died after the collision at the junction Old Steine and St James’s Street at around 10pm.

A Vauxhall Astra had failed to stop for police at 10pm in the Bear Road area,officers said, before a chase ensued. Officers pursued the car towards Brighton where the Vauxhall was in collision with the 78-year-old pedestrian, who died at the scene. The car was found abandoned soon after on Madeira Drive near Concorde 2, according to police.

Sussex Police said a man was arrested when he handed himself in to police this morning (January 11) in connection with the collision.

A 33-year-old man from Brighton has now been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, drink driving, failing to stop for police and failing to report an accident. He remains in custody.

Sergeant Richard Hornsey said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this time.

“We continue to appeal to anyone who saw what happened or has any other information to contact police here or on [email protected] quoting Operation Beresford.”

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has begun an {http://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/news/crime/watchdog-launches-probe-into-police-chase-fatality-1-7767375 |independent investigation} into the circumstances of the police pursuit.