Police were digging up a back garden today after being told the body of a baby could be buried there.

Officers arrived early this morning at the boarded-up house in Pankhurst Avenue, Brighton.

Specialised sniffer dogs from South Yorkshire Police were called in to assist the search.

Sources said there had been a suggestion a baby had been buried in the garden but police were keeping an open mind.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony O'Donnell said: "Following intelligence reports Sussex Police are investigating the possibility that a body may be buried in the garden."

But one source said: "It is routine at this stage - I doubt anything will be found."

A mobile police unit was set up outside the semi-detached house and scenes of crime officers were combing the inside and outside of the property.

A tent was erected in the rear garden as the search team began digging.

Neighbours said the house had been empty for about three weeks.

One said: "A gang of boys used the place for parties. I think drugs were involved."