An inquiry into a murder has commenced following the tragic death of a pedestrian in a road accident in Brighton.
Police are requesting witnesses of the event, which took place at the crossroads of Preston Road and Cumberland Road, around 5am on Saturday, 23 December.
A white van reportedly struck a pedestrian and then left the scene.
Later that morning, the van was located and halted on the A27 near Worthing. The driver, a 40-year-old Brighton man, was detained on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody.
The 26-year-old local man who was the victim was declared dead at the scene. His family has been notified and is receiving support from officers who are specially trained in providing assistance during such situations.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “Firstly, 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.”
Anyone with any information about the incident is aske to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Barclay.
