A mother who crashed her car with her young son inside near a notorious suicide spot today has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

The 28-year-old, from St Leonards, was driving herself and her ten-year-old son in a blue Fiat Punto which collided with a grassy bank close to Beachy Head.

Neither mother nor son was injured.

But police said the woman might have been trying to kill them both by driving off the cliff.

A spokesman said this was "one line of inquiry" and detectives are appealing for witnesses.

Officers who arrived at the scene this morning detained the woman, who has not been named, under mental health legislation. She remained in custody this afternoon.

Detective Sergeant Paul Phelps said: "We are investigating the circumstances of this collision and are keen to speak with anyone who saw the Punto between 2am and 3am.

"Luckily none of the occupants were hurt in the collision but we are keen to establish exactly what happened."

Anyone with information can telephone Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.