A volunteer for the Liberal Democrats has been arrested on suspicion of vandalising and stealing Conservative campaign posters and signs in East Sussex, according to police.

The 38-year-old man attended a police station voluntarily last night after the alleged incidents in Eastbourne.

The arrest comes as the Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg is due to visit the constituency as part of a whistlestop tour of the country.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Police are investigating the vandalism and theft of political campaigning election signs from locations across Eastbourne.

"They have this evening arrested a man on suspicion of theft and vandalism. The man, aged 38 from Eastbourne, surrendered himself to police in the company of his solicitor shortly after 6pm on Tuesday.

"He is currently in custody and will be questioned this evening."

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: "A Liberal Democrat volunteer did attend a police station this afternoon. He will be playing no further part in our campaign."