Police are investigating the sudden closure of an estate and letting agent.

Eye had been alerted in the last few days about Abbey Gate in Battle, Sussex.

The firm had been operating since 1990 but shut without warning on March 11, putting a notice on the door saying the closure was due to staff illness.

A spokesperson for East Sussex County Council said: “Our trading standards team are aware of the situation with Abbey Gate Property Services, but all matters relating to this are being dealt with by Sussex Police.”

A Sussex Police spokesperson told Eye: “We have received several reports in the past ten days alleging inappropriate management of funds by Abbey Gate Letting Agency of Battle, and East Sussex CID have begun enquiries.

“The enquiries are at an early stage, no arrests have been made at this time, and no further information is currently available.”

According to the local paper, a letter was sent out from Abbey Gate to landlords on March 16 and 17.

It said: “We write to inform you that with effect from today’s date Abbey Gate Property Management will no longer be trading, and our Battle office will be closed.

“We have written to the tenants of the property passing on your contact details and payment information for further rent payments to be made direct to you.”