Police were today trying to solve the mystery of a body found lying beneath a bridge at the side of a busy road.

A female motorist made a 999 call on her mobile phone when she spotted the body as she drove along the A27 Shoreham bypass at 5.50am today.

The white male, who has not been identified, was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police sealed off the road and began an investigation to establish the cause of death.

A spokesman said: "The body was seen at the side of the carriageway and was found to have serious injuries.

"At this stage it is not clear whether those were sustained in a crash, whether he jumped from the bridge or whether there are suspicious circumstances."

Police are appealing for witnesses.