Two arrested after horrific Sussex hit and run

Police have arrested two people in connection with the horrific hit and run which left a dad for dead.
Hit and run in Brighton SUS-160127-091307001Hit and run in Brighton SUS-160127-091307001
Hit and run in Brighton SUS-160127-091307001

Andy Payne, 53, miraculously survived the smash involving a stolen Fiat 500 - despite doing a flip in the air over the car’s bonnet.

A 31-year-old man and 56-year-old woman, both from Brighton, have been arrested in connection with the crash, Sussex Police confirmed last night.

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The man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving causing serious injury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Remarkably, the father-of three Andy spent just five nights in hospital after the accident with a head injury, his wife Lisa confirmed.

Speaking from their family home in Hove, Lisa, 49, said: “He doesn’t remember anything.

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“He got home last Tuesday - he’s getting there. When he feels strong enough to talk, he will.”

Andy, who is now recovering at home, is father to Sam, 26, Luke, 23, and Millie, 22.

The family live in a semi-detached house on a quiet residential street just four-and-a-half miles from the scene of the crash.

His wife Lisa said that neither her nor Andy had seen the video, but released it to help find the driver behind the hit and run.

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Lisa added: “We let the video out because we thought it might help.

“I haven’t watched it. I don’t want to watch it.

“And I think that’s why he doesn’t want to talk to anyone because he doesn’t really want to remember anything. He’s okay. He’s doing alright.”

His son, Sam and niece Danielle Payne both shared the shocking video on their Facebook page’s yesterday afternoon.

Sam wrote: “Can everyone please share this video so we can catch whoever done this to our poor dad. I felt sick watching this.

“I’m just so thankful we still have him with us.”

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Danielle said: “Omg I feel sick!!!!! My poor family!!!!! Help find who done this!!!!!!!!”

Sussex Police confirmed the vehicle was discovered with significant damage to its front bumper and windscreen.

They continue their appeals for information regarding the incident in Kemptown on January 14.

Sergeant Dan Pitcher said: “We would like thank everyone who has shared the video and given us information.

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“We are still appealing to anyone with further information or was in the area when it happened to please make contact on collision quoting Op Northdown.”

The 31-year-old man and 56-year-old woman remain in custody.

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