Murder investigation launched after man dies in Brighton hit-and-run
The white van was reported to have collided with the pedestrian at Preston Road and Cumberland Road – Eddie Mitchell Police have launched a murder investigation after a hit and run involving a white van driver in Brighton. Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses after a 26-year-old man was hit by the vehicle at a key junction in the city at 5am and pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. The white van was reported to have collided with the pedestrian at Preston Road and Cumberland Road before driving away from the scene. Police identified and stopped the van in nearby Worthing later that morning, with the driver – a 40-year-old man from Brighton – arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody.
Police stopped a van in Worthing – Eddie Mitchell
A section of road was closed between Preston Drove and Knoyle Road – Eddie Mitchell
A police cordon was put in place, with the section of the road between Preston Drove and Knoyle Road closed and motorists advised to avoid the area. The road eventually re-opened at 4.30pm. Murder detectives, forensic scene of crime and collision investigators have been in the road since the early hours.
Photographs taken on Saturday morning showed a heavy police presence, with forensic workers in hazmat suits collecting evidence. At least two ambulances, paramedics and more than a dozen police and crime scene investigators were on the street, and a black tent was also erected. Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers, of the Surrey and Sussex major crime team, said: “I’d like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim at this difficult time.
“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.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Barclay. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism.
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