A Sussex policeman has been arrested on suspicion of downloading child pornography from the internet.

The Hastings-based officer was taken to a police station on Tuesday and later released on bail pending further inquiries.

The officer, who has not been named, will return for further questioning in October.

He was suspended on July 26 when officers searched his home and seized computer equipment.

Specially-trained personnel have been sifting through computer material and web sites for more than a week.

A force spokesman said the officer had been arrested on suspicion of possible offences involving child pornography.

He added: "None of the alleged offences relate to his work."

The arrest came after the FBI handed British police a list of 2,000 names and addresses of subscribers paying to view child porn web sites.

Those convicted could face five-year jail terms.