Firefighters in Eastbourne broke their picket line for the first time since their pay dispute began last year to attend a head-on collision on a busy road.

Crews were sent to a smash involving a Honda Accord and a Ford Maverick at Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne, yesterday.

However, they returned to their picket line at their Whitley Road station when they found out no lives were at risk.

One Eastbourne-based Green Goddess and two breathing apparatus rescue teams attended just before 3.30pm.

The road was closed for more than 30 minutes as police carried out inquiries.

Eastbourne station manager Paul Sundaram-Hardwick said: "As soon as we realised life was not at risk we went back.

"However, we are all desperately hoping there is a resolution to the strike action. We don't like being on strike.

"We can only hope for meaningful discussions between both sides."