A woman was fatally injured when she was hit by a car while crossing a busy road, an inquest heard.

Linda Mayle, 52, was struck by a Citroen on a pedestrian crossing in Lewes Road, Brighton, on May 27.

She suffered multiple injuries and died hours later at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

The inquest at Brighton heard how Ms Mayle, of Ryelands Drive, Brighton, was seen to start walking quickly across the road while the red man light was showing, which indicated pedestrians should wait until it was safe to cross.

She had almost reached the safety of the central reservation when she was hit by a car driven by Kevin Donovan.

Mr Donovan, of Peel Road, Brighton, told the hearing: "I first saw the pedestrian when she was in the middle of the road.

"When I realised something was wrong I slammed on the brakes to try to avoid her.

"I tried to swerve. At the last moment she turned back or fell back, I don't know.

"She struck the wing rather than the front of the car."

The inquest heard that, following a police investigation, Mr Donovan would not be charged with any criminal offence.

The investigation showed he was not speeding and did not have enough time to stop.

The accident report concluded: "Sadly this tragic accident seems to have been caused by the actions of the pedestrian deciding to cross into the carriageway at that time."

Brighton and Hove Coroner Veronica Hamilton-Deeley recorded a verdict of accidental death.

She said: "The crash investigation showed Mr Donovan reacted appropriately but was not able to avoid Ms Mayle."