The launch of a pioneering child kidnap alert system has been postponed.

The first phase of Child Rescue Alert, which aims to find missing children within hours of their disappearance, was due to be launched by Sussex Police today.

The project, which is the first of its kind in the country, will now swing into action on Friday, November 14, giving police more time to confirm details of its operation.

Child Rescue Alert will be based on an American system called Amber Alert which was started in Texas in 1996 and now operates in 15 states.

Within hours of a child going missing television and radio programmes are interrupted with news flashes and messages are beamed on to motorway signs calling for help from the public.

In Sussex, text messages and perhaps emails will also be distributed.

The scheme is being led by Chief Superintendent Jeremy Paine and Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Underhill, who lead the Sarah Payne murder hunt.

Depending on the pilot's success, it may then be rolled out across the country.

Child Rescue Alert has been backed by Sara Payne, Sarah's mother, who will attend next week's launch.