POLICE are searching a flat in Hove after a 21-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of ill-treatment of a child.

The woman remains in custody and the child has been removed from her care.

Passers-by noticed officers stationed outside the flat in Hove yesterday.

Sussex Police confirmed they were carrying out a search of the premises as part of an ongoing investigation

A force spokesman said: "An address in Hove is being searched after officers arrested a woman aged 21 on Tuesday evening, on suspicion of ill-treatment of a child, and the woman remains in custody at this time.

"The child has been removed and is now safe, and local authority Children’s Services have been notified.

"The investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are continuing at this time."