Pebsham man in fatal crash

Darren Horton, 37, of Martyns Way, was pronounced dead at the scene after the car he was travelling in left the road and collided with metal bridge railings, just north of the junction with Marley Lane.

Family man Mr Horton had been heavily involved with Ninfield United Football Club for almost 10 years and ran the reserves team.

He was also club secretary and had sat on the committee.

Current secretary Chris Copley had known him for more than 15 years.

He commented: “He did not have a bad bone in his body and he was always there to help.

“He enjoyed socialising with us after the football games as well.

“He was very well-liked by everyone, and only had anyone’s interests at the top of his list of priorities.

“He was always fun and enjoyed life.”

Ninfield United FC postponed their first and reserve team fixtures tomorrow (Saturday) as a mark of respect and anyone connected with the club is invited to a memorial gathering at the Blacksmiths Inn in the village from 3pm tomorrow.

Mr Horton had recently joined Beulah Baptists football team in Bexhill.

The accident happened at around 7.15am when the black Peugeot 107 car Mr Horton was driving left the carriageway on the left hand side and collided with the railings.

Despite a couple of motorists stopping to help, Mr Horton died at the scene of the accident.

Sussex Police say it is not yet clear what caused the car to leave the carriageway.

Sergeant Dan Russell, of Battle Police, said: “This is very sad and tragic and my thoughts are with family and friends at this time.”

They are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have seen a black Peugeot 107 in the area prior to the crash, to call 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Azure.