Police have launched a murder investigation after a pedestrian was killed in a collision in Brighton.

A white van is reported to have hit a pedestrian in Cumberland Road, Brighton, at around 5am today (December 23) before driving away from the scene.

The vehicle was identified and stopped on the A27 in Worthing later that morning.

The driver, a 40-year-old man from Brighton, was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

A 26-year-old local man died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Detectives are asking anyone who saw the incident to come forward.

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.

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“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 asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Barclay.