Owners of an alleged cannabis cafe have shut up shop and started an anti-police drop-in centre.

After two months of intensive police tactics to shut the Victoria Road site in Worthing, the decision was made to close down.

Officers had been continually stopping and searching cafe customers for drug possession and had also kept a heavy presence in the area.

Now the cafe, which serves soft drinks and has internet access, has become a place for people to relax or get legal advice.

Gordon Petri, who manages the drop-in centre, said anyone who felt they had a genuine complaint against the police would be informed of the relevant laws.

He said: "This place has a certain stigma but I could not let it go to waste. People can come in here and use the computers, freshen up their skills and get advice."

Mr Petri said anyone who tried to use cannabis on the premises would be told to stop.

A colleague, who did not want to be named, said the legal service was for people who believed they had been unjustly searched for drugs.

He said: "We have a couple of legal people. They are not solicitors but have studied law. If we think a complainant's case warrants looking into further, we will give advice, tell them where they stand with regard to the law and put them in touch with a solicitor who specialises in that field."

The man stressed the Victoria Road site was "not a cannabis cafe and it has not been proved as one - it's a drop-in centre that's anti-police".

Detective Inspector Nigel Brown, who led the investigation into drugs supply at cannabis cafes in Worthing, said: "This is an interesting and potentially positive development which I cautiously welcome.

"We shall be taking steps to test the truth of this claim by the cafe operators. In the meantime, there will be a reduction in the visible police activity at the premises.

"This development does not alter our investigation into illegal drugs supply which has taken place up to now.

"Evidence gathering continues and this will be followed through to arrest and charging of those involved."

A police visit to the drop-in centre on Monday revealed no illegal activity.