A woman has died after a serious crash that has shut down a major road.

The M23 northbound direction, between junctions nine and 10 close to Gatwick Airport, has been shut since 5am on April 2.

Sussex Police reported that emergency services were sent to the crash site, where a car carrying three people hit a tree and the central barrier of the road.

Officials said a 23-year-old woman from London was declared dead at the scene. Her family have been informed.

A 23-year-old man from London is still undergoing hospital treatment for serious injuries.

The driver, a 21-year-old man from London, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death through dangerous driving and causing serious injury through dangerous driving. He remains in custody as detectives continue their investigation.

Inspector Matt Wightwick said this was a devastating incident, and they were carrying out a full investigation into all the circumstances.

The victims and their families remain in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

They acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closure, particularly for those heading to the airport, and thanked everyone for their patience and understanding.

The northbound carriageway will remain shut to allow the investigation to continue and to recover the vehicle. It will open again once it is judged safe and practical to do so.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward, and anyone with dashcam footage has been asked to submit it to collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Dorset.