A burglar left Sussex Police an important clue at the scene of a bungled break-in - his own finger.

Officers called to the house in Lewes discovered the bloody finger among pieces of glass from the front door of the property.

Now they are using DNA from the digit to trace the fingerless thief, who escaped empty handed.

A trail of blood led from the scene of the attempted burglary, which happened in South Street on Saturday evening, to School Hill, half a mile away.

There was no trace of the burglar but police said he probably needed urgent medical treatment.

Officers were alerted to the crime by the victim, who called them and said: "I think I've found a finger."

A police spokesman said: "We are currently trying to obtain a DNA profile. We are determined to find the rest of this offender."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious between 11.30pm and 11.55pm in the South Street, Cliffe High Street or School Hill area should call the police on 0845 6070999.