Two men are on the run after escaping from Ford prison.

Shane Dowing, 36, and Christopher McLean, 38, are believed to have left the open prison, near Arundel, together on Sunday, and may have headed towards Brighton.

Dowing was serving 17-months and McLean 27 months. Both were jailed for theft.

Police said neither man is considered dangerous.

The escape came in a week when it was revealed that prison service chiefs are to upgrade Ford to take in more serious offenders, including violent criminals and sex offenders, to ease prison overcrowding. Opponents said the escapes prove the prison should not take inmates higher than Category D' status.

Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel and South Downs, said: "The management of Ford prison is shambolic.

"Local people will not be amused that criminals are at large in their community.

"I don't know how the Government can consider sending more prisoners to Ford, including those who have committed more serious offences, when they can't keep the prisoners inside."

Dowing had a full beard when he went missing and has a scar on his nose. McLean has a tattoo on his left hand of the word CHRIS', and various tattoos on his arms.