Sussex Police has one of the worst records in the country for removing innocent people's DNA from their database.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act found that 28 innocent people asked Sussex Police to delete their DNA records from the Police National Computer, but in only one case was permission granted.

Figures from police forces across the country showed that on average 22% of requests were granted, but Sussex Police granted less than 4%.

Only five police forces, which refused to delete any records, had lower rates.

Anyone who is arrested but not charged or convicted can apply to a Chief Constable to have their DNA records removed, but current guidelines from the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) say it should only happen under "exceptional circumstances".

Last year the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the DNA records of people who had not been charged or convicted cannot be held indefinitely.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “In exceptional circumstances, a person can make an application to a Chief Constable to have their DNA and fingerprints removed from the relevant databases. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

“We strongly support efforts to bring greater clarity and look forward to new legislation on retention. DNA is very important in many investigations, but we agree it is vital that the DNA database remains reasonable and proportionate and retains the full confidence of the public.”