A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car plunged into a Sussex lake.

The drama followed a bid by police to stop a car which had earlier been seen being driven erratically in the centre of Arundel.

Minutes later the green Vauxhall Astra estate car ended up in Swanbourne Lake, a beauty spot near Arundel Castle.

A man and his woman passenger, believed to be in their 40s, were seen by a passing motorist wading to the banks.

Today police confirmed that a man had been arrested and was being questioned on suspicion of the attempted murder of the woman passenger.

A spokesman said: "At 5.30pm yesterday, patrolling officers in Arundel noticed a vehicle being driven erratically in the town centre.

"It failed to stop and was driven away at speed. A few minutes later a report was received of a vehicle being driven into Swanbourne Lake in Mill Road."

The couple were both taken to Worthing Hospital for treatment but the condition of the woman has not been revealed.

Police have appealed for witnesses.

More than 20 firefighters spent three hours working with officers from the Environment Agency to pull the car from the lake.

Crews rowed 12ft out to the sinking vehicle, attached ropes to it, winched it to the bank and lifted it out with a crane.

Fire brigade Assistant Divisional Officer Ray Jackson said: "The people inside the car managed to get out under their own efforts.

"The lake is in a nature reserve and we are doing everything we can to prevent the petrol and oil causing contamination."

Swanbourne Lake is a well-known beauty spot. In summer visitors flock to it to watch wildlife, eat picnics and hire rowing boats.