The owner of a field where murdered Sarah Payne disappeared is claiming compensation for damage to crops caused by police searchers.

Scores of officers trampled through cornfields after Sarah disappeared while playing near her grandparents' home in Peak Lane, Kingston Gorse, near Ferring.

The force has confirmed farmer Paul Langmead has written seeking what they describe as "substantial" damages.

The Argus understands the claim could reach £10,000 and would not be covered by the force's insurance. The money would come from the force's budget and further costs would be incurred by police when they investigate the claim. The force's helicopter may have to be used to provide aerial photographs of damaged fields.

The claim has angered some officers involved in finding Sarah's killer, who dumped her naked body close to the A29 near Pulborough.

One police source said: "Officers feel hurt and puzzled by the timing of the claim."

Mr Langmead, who gave his address on his claim as Roundstone Farm, Ferring, near Worthing, would not comment on the claim. Instead, he attacked the Argus for reporting it: "I am totally and utterly opposed to you reporting anything. It is bad enough those parents have lost a daughter without you dragging this up."

"I am a big advertiser with you (the Argus). If you report it I will be very unhappy. You are not permitted."

Sussex Police revealed today the hunt for Sarah and now her killer had cost more than £400,000. However, a senior officer stressed: "We will spend whatever it takes to bring Sarah's killer to justice."