Police officers called to a three-car smash were unable to check drivers for drink-driving because the nearest breath-test kit was 25 miles away.

The police car attending the incident did not carry a kit, in breach of force policy, and Sussex Police has ordered checks on all vehicles.

Carrie Wauchope, force Press officer, said: "A kit was not available in the police car as it should have been.

"As a result, the division will be reviewing where all breath testing kits are kept to ensure one is available in every police car."

The review follows a complaint from a driver involved in the crash.

Malcolm Curd, 43, was taking his daughter home after an end-of-term school party.

His Nissan Sunny was on the A259 South Way in Newhaven on Wednesday night when he and two other drivers were involved in a collision.

His daughter Nicola, 14, suffered shock but there were no serious injuries.

Mr Curd, body shop manager at Anchor Garage in Phyllis Avenue, Peacehaven, told two attending police officers he was happy to undergo a breath test, which he expected to be carried out following an accident.

He said: "Then they said they weren't carrying a kit and were not able to get one from Newhaven police station, just across the road.

"They said the station was closed and the nearest kit was 25 miles away.

"It was just not good enough. I was once stopped in my car for a faulty light and was breath-tested by police - with a negative result."

Sussex Police said their officers at the scene did not believe a breath test was necessary.

Mrs Wauchope said: "There was nothing to suggest that any of the drivers involved had been drinking alcohol.

"Had this been the case, an immediate arrest would have been made and the person taken to the nearest custody centre where a breath test would have been carried out."

Mr Curd said he was not satisfied and has filed a complaint which is being investigated by Sussex Police.