Worthing's troubled Aquarena swimming complex was closed today after suffering a flooding disaster overnight.

The Aquarena in Brighton Road was forced to turn customers away as they arrived this morning.

Three giant tanks in the roof sprung a leak and water cascaded through the ceiling, flooding the upstairs aerobics area.

One lifeguard said the water was two or three inches deep in places and had seeped into the main pool downstairs.

Customers arriving for an early morning swim saw notices on the main doors stating that the pool was closed until further notice.

The water affected the electrics and the power was turned off as a precaution, leaving the complex without heating, lighting or computer terminals.

Borough council leisure officer John Thorpe said: "The water storage tanks in the roof space failed overnight. I understand the ball valves failed and the overflow couldn't take all of the pressure created."

The closure is a major blow for the Aquarena, which is trying to revive flagging custom and falling profits.

Councillors recently backed plans to carry out a "minimal" £50,000 upgrade of the venue, which was built in 1968 and would cost £17 million to replace.

Leisure officers launched an investigation after learning the Aquarena was expected to make £155,120 less than expected this year.

In a separate incident, a man died after collapsing with chest pains at the Aquarena.

Paramedics were called yesterday afternoon when the 26-year-old from Angmering collapsed at the poolside.

He had just got out of the water when he complained of chest pains, then slumped to the ground as bathers looked on.

Lifeguards and medics tried to resuscitate the man. He was taken to Worthing Hospital and later died.