One person was taken to hospital last night after a five-car crash closed Worthing seafront.

Rescue workers said it was lucky no one was seriously hurt. Sub Officer Steve Clack, of Worthing fire station, said: "It looked as if a car pulled out, a couple of cars hit it, and debris hit a couple of other vehicles."

Two fire crews were sent in case anyone was seriously injured and trapped in the wreckage but only one person had to be taken to hospital.

It is not believed his injuries are life threatening.

Mr Clack added: "Nobody was trapped, although one gentleman was still in his car when we arrived.

"He did appear to have sustained some injuries and was taken to Worthing Hospital.

"It was very lucky nobody was seriously hurt."

Sarah Wilkinson, who works at The Burlington Hotel, said: "The parked cars belonged to a member of staff here and the singer in the band that we had booked. It was a bit of a mess but the main thing is that everyone is all right."

Police have launched an investigation into the crash, which happened just before 9pm outside The Burlington, on Marine Parade.

A spate of complaints from residents about boy racers in the area prompted a tough response from officers in January.

Residents were fed up with late-night noise from revving engines, horns and blaring music as well as the racing itself. Worthing's district commander, Chief Inspector Russ Whitfield, sent warning letters to the registered owners of cars that had been caught tearing around the town.

A few parents who let their children use the family car were surprised to receive a note.

Culprits were told they could have their vehicle impounded if they were caught again, with a £357 bill to get it back, and the tactic appeared to have been working.

Chief Insp Whitfield said today: "There was an indication last night the incident could possibly be due to excessive speed.

"At this stage we do not know if it was the result of 'boy racers' or not.

"Should it be seen to have been those people involved, then they will not only be prosecuted for traffic offences but, as they have been warned, further action will be taken against them."

He has had no complaints about boy racers since he sent out the warnings at the start of the year,