The family of a man who died when his car plunged over cliffs have paid tribute to him.

Dean Paul Noakes, 29, of Thorndean Road, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, died instantly when his silver Nissan Sunny crossed two lanes of oncoming traffic before smashing through the clifftop fence above Brighton Marina.

His mother, Jane Bonwick, speaking on behalf of his family, said: "We are shocked at this tragic accident.

"Dean was a much-loved son and brother who has left us too soon and is missed.

"We are working with the police officers carrying out the investigation into the circumstances and want to wait and see the results of this and the subsequent inquest."

Mr Noakes was being followed by police at the time of the crash and his death is now the subject of an inquiry by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The crash happened on a 50mph stretch of the A259 just before 9pm on Saturday evening.

The car ended up on its roof on the Undercliff Walk.

The car had failed to stop for a police patrol vehicle immediately prior to the incident.

Police said it had been seen driving erratically.

Mr Noakes died from head injuries.

Witnesses to the accident should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.