Trio from West Sussex arrested following fatal M27 crash bailed

A 36 year old man died in the collision on Wednesday (21st February)

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 23rd Feb 2024

Three people from West Sussex who were arrested, following a fatal crash which closed the M27 for nearly 36 hours, have been bailed.

A 36-year-old lorry driver from Salisbury died at the scene of the collision at junction five for Swaythling at around 12.30pm on Wednesday afternoon (12st February).

His family is being supported by specially trained police officers.

He was driving a Mercedes lorry, along with a Nissan Juke and a Volkswagen Polo were involved.

Police have questioned two men and a woman in connection with the incident:

  • A 32-year-old man from Yapton, Arundel, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and of drink driving
  • A 40-year-old woman from Littlehampton arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, of drink driving, and of drug driving
  • A 37-year-old man from Littlehampton arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving

All three have since been released on bail until 21st May, while enquiries continue to establish the circumstances.

There's a continued appeal for witnesses, and anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 44240076451.

As a result of the collision, the westbound carriageway between junctions 9 and 5 had to be closed through until this morning (Friday 23rd February), while National Highways assessed the damage to infrastructure. and removed a gantry.

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