Police were today hunting for a man who twice tried to abduct children in Eastbourne's Arndale shopping centre.

He first attempted to kidnap a three-year-old boy and only fled when the child's grandmother intervened.

The same man made a second abduction bid in the same shopping centre an hour later but the mother grabbed her child and ran.

Police have launched a full-scale inquiry. Officers are studying CCTV footage from the centre to try to identify the offender.

Detective Sergeant Gordon Denslow of Eastbourne police said: "We are urging any witnesses to call us immediately.

"We are particularly keen to hear from the mother of the child involved in the second incident. She could have vital information about this man."

The first incident happened at 8am yesterday outside Shades Restaurant. The man was seen running off towards the railway station in Terminus Road.

He was white, about 19, of medium build and had short, mousey brown hair. He wore a pale-coloured T-shirt with a large round motif, black shorts, black socks and dark trainers.

The second incident happened opposite British Home Stores but the mother ran off before security staff could take details.

Anyone with information should contact Eastbourne CID on 0856 6070999.