The results of this year's Brit Awards were nearly revealed ahead of the ceremony when a thief stole a computer containing the awards schedule, scripts and list of winners.

Channel 4's Big Breakfast star Johnny Vaughan - who is hosting the Brit Awards - told viewers on the morning show how the computer was stolen from his car while it was parked outside a pub.

Vaughan said he and a scriptwriter were just settling down to their lunch of bangers and mash when they heard a noise and ran outside to see the window of their car had been smashed.

An onlooker said a man had taken the computer and run off towards Fulham, with another man in pursuit.

Free tickets to the show

Vaughan said he passed a worried half-hour before the heroic pursuer, known only as David, returned with the computer, after rugby tackling the thief a mile up the road.

He said he gave David a couple of tickets to the awards ceremony as a big thankyou.

Many international pop, rock and dance acts are converging on the London Arena for the award ceremony on Tuesday night. Hundreds more competition winners and paying onlookers will also be at the venue in London's Docklands.

There is strong competition for the awards from multi-nominees Massive Attack, Fatboy Slim, Manic Street Preachers and Robbie Williams.

Williams has a record six nominations in four categories, with two nominations in both the Best British Single and Video shortlists.