Lancing man fighting for his life after falling while “surfing” on van roof

A man fighting for his life after a road accident could have been “surfing” on a van’s roof, police claim.

Emergency services are appealing for witnesses after the 26-year-old man fell from a moving Volkswagen Transporter van yesterday (Sunday, May 11) in Worthing.

The vehicle was travelling east in Charmendean Road, Broadwater, at about 11pm.

Officers said the the casualty may have been on the roof of the vehicle, possibly ‘surfing’, when he fell to the ground and was badly hurt.

However, police said they were still trying to establish the exact circumstances.

The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance helicopter flew the man, who is from Lancing, to Southampton General hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.

His condition this morning (Monday, May 12) was described as “critical”.

The driver of the van, a 27-year-old man from Goring, has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving .

Sergeant Stewart Goodwin, of Sussex Police, said: “We would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or who may have information about exactly where the casualty was prior to being injured.”

Anyone who has not yet spoken to officers is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or emailcollision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk, quoting Operation Paisley.