THE A27 has been closed by police after a crash.

A car has overturned in the Southwick Tunnel.

One person has been confirmed as being injured in the crash.

The vehicle and injured person have now been cleared from the scene, but the road closure remains in place and is et to continue for some time due to a fuel spill.

READ MORE>>>Live updates as A27 closure continues due to 'serious crash' and fuel spill

This is causing slow traffic in the surrounding area, between Brighton and Shoreham.

A Sussex Roads Police spokesman said: "The A27 is currently closed eastbound due to a crash in the Southwick Tunnel.

"Traffic is being taken off at the Holmbush Centre exit."

PC Pete May of Sussex Roads Police is one of the officers at the scene.

At 2.18pm, he posted an update on the incident on social media.

PC May said: "(We are) awaiting recovery to assist West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and make the scene safe.

"A full update and witness appeal will follow soon."

At 3.41pm he added: "An update from Highways says the tunnel may be closed for some time for cleaning and repairs.

"Please monitor local radio for updates.

"(The) vehicle (has been) recovered and police will be leaving scene shortly."

Sussex Roads Police provided a further update at 4pm.

A spokesman said: "The injured driver and all vehicles have now been removed.

"The eastbound tunnel is likely to remain closed for a while yet, however, while a fuel spill is cleared up."

Diversions are in place around the crash site, with the road remaining closed at 4.15pm.

A Highways England spokesman said: "The A27 in Sussex is closed eastbound between A270 and A293 (near Southwick) due to a serious collision. 

"Emergency services are at the scene working to clear the incident. 

"Road users travelling eastbound should follow the 'hollow diamond' diversion symbol and exit the A27 at Holmbush interchange and join the A270.

"Continue along the A270 until the junction with A293. Join the A293 and re-join A27 at Hangleton Interchange. 

"Road users are advised to allow additional time for their journey and to consider alternative routes at this time." 

In a traffic report, the AA has warned drivers to expect heavy disruption in the area as a result of the crash.

It stated: "The road is blocked due to a crash involving an overturned vehicle on the A27 Shoreham Bypass from the A293 (Portslade/West Hove turn off) to the A270 Upper Shoreham Road (Southwick/Holmbush turn off).

The Argus:

"There are delays of eight minutes on the A27 eastbound between the A270 Upper Shoreham Road and the A293.

"The average speed is five mph."

We will be providing live updates on this incident on our live blog.

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