A MAN has died and four others were injured when a car crashed into a tree - and a police watchdog is to investigate.

The fatal crash in Kipling Way, East Grinstead, happened “in the vicinity of a police car”.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now looking into the incident that hapened at about 12.05am on Thursday, October 21.

A silver Volkswagen Caddy crashed into a tree, killing the 27-year-old driver who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two passengers, aged 31 and 28, sustained serious injuries, while a further two passengers, aged 31 and 30, sustained minor injuries.

All five men are from East Grinstead.

Sussex Police confirmed the incident occurred in the vicinity of a police car.

The force said the matter had been referred to the IPOC for investigation.

Police are also appealing for witnesses to the crash.

Officers are urging anyone with any information or dash cam footage to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Herald.

The IOPC have been approached for comment.