Hundreds of pounds were stolen from a social club as thieves made off with a safe and bottles of alcohol in the early hours.

Between 2am and 7am on Tuesday, Elphinstone Sports and Social Club in Elphinstone Road, Hastings, was burgled.

PC Heath Moir from Hastings neighbourhood policing team said: "The club's security alarm was activated.

“The keyholder arrived and looked around the premises but found nothing suspicious.

“When the keyholder left, thieves seized their opportunity and broke into the club.

"We need to speak to anyone who was in the area around Elphinstone Road and could have seen or heard anything suspicious.

"I would advise anyone that has a security alarm fitted to ensure it is serviced regularly. If the alarm shows a fault when you're resetting it, call out an engineer. Also, ensure that all keyholders know how to contact engineers or other staff for advice.

"Finally, if your alarm activates and you as keyholder are unsure what action to take, please phone police and report this as a suspicious act."

Anyone with information should email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 183 of 16/09, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.