TWO burglars who broke into an electronics store and left empty-handed have been jailed for four years.

Police were called to Currys PC World in Old Shoreham Road, Hove, at about 4am on August 2 after reports of a break-in.

Officers discovered a large hole at the rear of the building where the burglars had forced entry.

The pair had tried and failed to access a number of stock rooms and had caused considerable damage, but had fled the scene empty-handed.

Following enquiries, police stopped an Audi on the A23 north of Brighton.

The two men in the car were found to be wearing the same items of clothing which the burglars were reported to have been seen wearing at the break-in.

After searching the vehicle, police discovered items including a drill, several bags, gloves and a head torch.

Aurelian Gheorghe, 41, of no fixed address, and Andrei Metea, 22, of Winchester Avenue, London, were arrested and charged with burglary with intent to steal.

At Lewes Crown Court last week, the pair were each sentenced to four years in prison.