Police were called to the Steam Packet pub, which is closed down at present, at about 11.30am on Tuesday (October 14), when men two men were seen scaling the sides of the building, in River Road.

Police confirmed that lead on the roof had been moved around, but, for some reason, had not been taken.

The men, aged between 19 and 22, and all from Littlehampton, were arrested in River Road a short time later, and a Fiat van seized.

It followed a similar incident at Lyminster Infant School, Wick Street, which happened at some point between 6pm on Friday and 9am on Monday. Roof tiles were left damaged after would-be thieves climbed onto the school's roof, but left empty-handed.

Sgt Peter Allan, of Littlehampton police, said: "This is a national problem, with the price of lead being at a premium, but one we have been managing to control."

He asked that anyone who may have seen either incident, or a Fiat van in the vicinity of Lyminster Infant School over the weekend, to call PC Matt Dickinson on 0845 60 70 999.

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