New cases of a deadly fungus which can kill oak trees have been found in Sussex.

The infection, which causes Sudden Oak Death, has been detected in plants in nurseries.

Experts fear the fungus could spread to trees in the wild.

Earlier this year, the Forestry Commission issued an exotic pest alert to specialists in the field, who have been on the lookout for any signs of the disease.

The Sussex Wildlife Trust also wrote to MPs, calling for action to stop the disease taking hold in Britain.

Elaine Hayes, director of the trust, said an inquiry had been launched to investigate the new cases.

The fungus was first discovered in an imported plant at a nursery in Chichester.

More cases in the county have now been confirmed, according to the Forestry Commission.

Sudden Oak Death has reached epidemic proportions on certain oak species in coastal areas of California and in Oregon in the US.

It is also known to occur in Germany and the Netherlands on rhododendron and viburnum.

Sudden Oak Death is characterised by dark red to black sap oozing from the trunk.