Rescuers sent to a crash were left scratching their heads when they could find no trace of wrecked vehicles.

Fire, police and ambulance officers were sent to the A23 at Handcross Hill near Haywards Heath at 8am today after reports of a collision between a tanker and car.

Police passed long queues of traffic as they travelled to the scene but found nothing when they arrived.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "We had a good look round but there was nothing there. We stood down the other emergency services.

"It was possible it was a minor shunt between the vehicles and the drivers quickly exchanged insurance details and went on their way."