Albion goalkeeper Michel Kuipers was airlifted to hospital today after a car crash.

The former Dutch Marine was flown by police helicopter to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, after being cut free from the wreckage by firefighters.

He had been on his way to a club training session at the University of Sussex's Falmer campus when his yellow Mazda collided with a silver Vauxhall Astra driven by an on-duty police officer.

Emergency service workers carried Mr Kuipers, who lives in the Burgess Hill area, on a spinal board to the helicopter, which was waiting in a field near the accident spot on Ditchling Beacon Road, Brighton.

He suffered minor head injuries.

The police officer - who helped at the scene despite suffering a wrist injury - was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital and she was soon discharged.

Motorist Dab Elson, who arrived at the scene just after the smash at around 9.30am, said: "It was pretty unpleasant. The woman got out of the car and helped the gentleman in the other vehicle."

Kate Ash, who phoned for an ambulance, said: "The driver in the yellow car had head injuries. He was barely conscious and the lady driver was remarkable.

"She got out of her car even though she had what looked like a broken wrist."

The driver's side of the yellow sports car was severely damaged and firefighters had to cut the roof off.

Two fire engines, two ambulances, a paramedic on a motorbike and police were also at the scene Inspector Mark Armstrong, of Sussex Police, said: "Officers are investigating the accident and we would appeal for any witnesses." He declined to comment further.

A spokesman for the Princess Royal said: "We are hoping he will be going home shortly."

There has been speculation that the Dutch keeper could be sold to Hull, but a bid by former Albion boss Peter taylor has been rejected by the club.