A man arrested in connection with the attempted abduction of a ten-year-old boy has been released by police.

A force spokesman said: "He has been freed pending further inquiries.

"Meanwhile, the boy is coping well and is being cared for at his home."

Police were called to Stapley Road, Hove, at 8.30am yesterday following a report that a man was trying to snatch the youngster.

The boy was told to stay where he was and while the man left the scene briefly the boy called police on his mobile telephone.

A man was later arrested and was last night held in police custody.

Officers believe there is nothing to link the case to two other attempted abductions at Portslade town hall and in Southwick.