Man Seriously Injured After A27 Collision Involving Van Carrying Prisoner At Lewes Bypass (Monday)

Monday, 10 August 2020 12:01

By Charlotte Baker @Ch4rtweets

The A27 has been closed in both directions after a collision involving a van carrying a prisoner this morning (Monday).

A van that appears to be the type used to carry people in custody has been pictured on its side.

Images also show a damaged goods vehicle nearby.

Emergency services remained at the scene at midday.

A spokesperson from Sussex Police said:

"We are currently dealing with a road traffic collision on the A27 at the Lewes bypass.

"The road is closed in both directions between Ashcombe and Southerham roundabouts.

"Please avoid the area while this incident is ongoing."

No information has been shared about any casualities.

Updated at 1pm:

Police said a man was seriously injured in the incident involving a HGV lorry and a security van transporting a prisoner, at around 10.55am.

The casualty is reported as a 29-year-old man.

The road is currently closed in both directions between Ashcombe and Southerham roundabouts.

A spokesperson from Sussex Police said:

"Traffic is severely gridlocked in the area and is expected to remain so until later this afternoon.

"Please avoid the area while this incident is ongoing.

"Anyone who witnessed what happened is asked to report online or call 101, quoting Operation Onyx."

Updated at 3.15pm:

A spokesperson from GEOAmey, a company responsible for secure prisoner transportation and custody services, confirmed that a secure escort van was involved in an incident on the A27 in Sussex near the Kingston roundabout this morning (August 10).

In a statement the company said:

"Following the incident on the A27 in Sussex this morning, the three people on board have been taken to hospital with injuries.

"Two of these are escort officers and the third is a prisoner.

"The condition of all three is serious but stable."

Updated at 4.25pm:

Police said a 29-year-old man who was travelling in the van has suffered a serious head injury and has been taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Two further men, also occupants of the van, sustained serious injuries requiring hospital treatment.

The lorry driver, a 58-year-old man, also sustained a serious injury and has been taken to hospital.

Detective Inspector Sue Neilson said:

"This was a serious crash in which several people were injured and we are working to establish the full circumstances.

"If you saw what happened or the vehicles involved immediately prior to this incident then we want to hear from you.

"We're also keen to speak to anyone who has dash-cam footage of the collision, or of the broken down security van prior to the collision which occurred between the Southerham roundabout and the Ashcombe roundabout.

"Road closures are likely to remain in place until the early evening and we're grateful to members of the public for their patience while we're dealing with this.

"Please avoid the area if you can and check your route before you travel."

Anyone with information is urged to contact 101, quoting Operation Onyx.

Updates as we get them...
Credit: Melanie Beck