An 18-year-old man from Hounslow has been charged after a Mercedes ploughed into a hedge during a police chase on the A24 near Horsham.

Police officers were pursuing a Mercedes A Class and Mercedes AMG estate, both allegedly stolen, minutes before the latter was involved in a fatal crash at around 2.30pm on Friday (November 10).

It is alleged that the two cars were connected to an earlier burglary and a manhunt is underway to find the driver of the second vehicle involved in the fatal crash.

A 70-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene after the Mercedes AMG estate collided with her Ford Fiesta. A 70-year-old female passenger also sustained minor injuries.

Sussex Police said officers were pursuing the two vehicles following a burglary but halted the chase 11 minutes before the fatal collision.

The driver of the Mercedes A Class, Isaac McFadyen, 18, was arrested after he fled the scene when his vehicle crashed near a service station.

His car ploughed into a hedge before the other vehicle was involved in the fatal collision.

Sussex Police believed the drivers were connected to a house burglary in Goring and pursued the vehicles after they were spotted spotted near a service station on the A24.

McFadyen has been charged with two counts of burglary, dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, driving without a licence, driving without insurance and receiving stolen goods.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear before Crawley magistrates on Monday (November 13).

According to Sussex Police, officers stopped the pursuit after McFadyen drove into the hedge and did not pursue the other vehicle, which crashed into the victim's car 11 minutes later.

The force has urged anyone with any information to come forward as the search for the driver of the Mercedes AMG estate continues.

'Tragic incident'

Following the incident, Detective Inspector Will Rolls said: "This is a tragic incident involving two innocent members of the public.

"We offer our heartfelt sympathies to their families and specially trained officers are providing support.

"Enquiries are ongoing to identify the driver who ran from the scene after crashing in to the Ford Fiesta.

"We believe he tried to flag down a lift from near the fatal crash scene minutes later."

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Mantra, serial 684 of 10/11, report any information online , or call Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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