University mourns crash victims

An investigation into how the accident happened is under way

Three teenagers killed in a West Sussex car crash were all first year physical education students at the University of Chichester, it has been revealed.

Stephen Bernard, 18, from Bournemouth, Rebecca Seymour, from Brighton, and James Daniels, from Newhaven, both 19, died after Wednesday night's crash.

Their Nissan Micra collided with a Ford Focus at the junction with Nyton Road on the A27 near East Hampnett.

Two other students in the Nissan and the Focus driver, 48, were injured.

Our tears are for the loss of three vital, young and vibrant individuals who would have grown to become inspiring teachers Philip Robinson, University of Chichester

A statement from the University of Chichester said all the students had been living in the halls of residence on the university's Bognor Regis campus, beginning a four-year course to become teachers.

Vice-chancellor Philip Robinson offered his sympathies and condolences to the victims and their families.

"Our prayers are that the two injured take strength from the university community to be restored to full health.

"Our tears are for the loss of three vital, young and vibrant individuals who would have grown to become inspiring teachers," he said.

Memorial service

Police said the driver of the Ford Focus, who was from Eastleigh, in Hampshire, had been treated in hospital for serious injuries but had now been released.

The injured Nissan passengers were a man and a woman who were also first year physical education students.

The university said one of the two injured students had been transferred to Southampton University Hospital, while the other had undergone surgery at St Richard's Hospital, in Chichester.

It added that a memorial service would be held at a later date.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way and witnesses are urged to contact police.