Crime has fallen dramatically since terrorists destroyed the World Trade Centre.

Police have revealed there were 180 fewer crimes in Brighton while crimes in Hove have halved since last Tuesday's tragedy.

They say it is too big a fall to be a seasonal blip in the figures and believe the drop is a result of people being affected by the tragedy.

They have also noticed a change in public attitudes towards police officers, which they also put down to the disaster.

Sergeant Steve Barry, of Hove police, said: "The fall in the number of crimes since the events of last week has been astonishing.

"The only thing we can think of to explain it is that it is linked to the terrorist attacks in America."

Sgt Barry said he and other officers were aware public perception of the police and emergency services had also changed in the last week.

He said: "It has been noticeable that people are not as suspicious of you when you look at them.

"Instead of looking away they have been smiling at us and have stopped us to talk about the disaster and the bravery of the emergency services in New York.

"Sussex Police has opened a book of condolence which is being sent to all divisions in the force.

"It will then be sent out to the New York Police Department as a mark of respect to our fellow officers over there."