A dog and a deer were spotted on the A27 moments before a three-car crash.

Sussex Police said they received reports of animals on the westbound carriageway between Lewes and Falmer at 7.30am this morning, shortly before the crash and a fuel spillage.

The Argus understands that cars were swerving to avoid the animals and the dog was killed.

South East Coast Ambulance Service reported that eight people sustained minor injuries in the crash, with four taken to hospital.

Commuters faced long delays during the morning rush hour Commuters faced long delays during the morning rush hour (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) At 8am, there was a second crash involving three cars on the eastbound carriageway, Sussex Police said.

It is unclear if this was related to the animals on the road.

READ MORE: Three people fighting for their lives after head-on crash on the A259

The A27 was closed while recovery was under way, causing up to 70-minute delays for motorists and seven miles of congestion.

Traffic stretched for seven miles at its worstTraffic stretched for seven miles at its worst (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) The A259 in Peacehaven was also affected by congestion, with a bus driver on a 12X heading to Brighton through Newhaven and Peacehaven informing passengers they would be facing long delays.

One passenger on the bus said: "I've not seen it this bad for a long time. It's taken more than an hour to get through Newhaven and Peacehaven.

"We are moving at a snail's pace through Peacehaven heading west - traffic heading east seems fine."