Retired detectives could soon be back in work to improve the number of crimes solved by Sussex Police.

The force hopes to recruit up to 30 former officers to help fill the gaps created by record numbers of staff leaving in recent months.

The resignations have been blamed in part for the force's failure to reach detection targets for burglaries and violent crime.

Experts in computer and finance crimes are also needed.

Extra funding

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police confirmed on Tuesday that the force hoped to provide funding in its budget - to be agreed in February - for "extra investigative capacity".

This could mean the creation of 30 support staff posts.

She said: "Assistant Chief Constable Tony Toynton has said that most of these will be former detectives to help with investigations."