Yobs on rampage in trail of havoc

Police received the first report of criminal damage at around 10pm when several vehicles were damaged in Chartwell Road on the Lancing Business Park and a group of youths were seen running off.

During the following hour, residents reported to police, young people caused damage to vehicle windows and wing mirrors, phone boxes and office windows, including one at Lancing police station, and another at the Adur Council premises in North Road.

More than 30 offences were reported from North Road, Elm Grove, Grand Avenue, First Avenue, Second Avenue, Fifth Avenue and in other streets through Lancing.

The culprits were described as white male youths, aged about 15 years. They were dressed in dark clothing and wearing 'hoodies' pulled over their heads.

Adur Detective Inspector Jacqui White, who is leading the investigation, said: "The behaviour displayed during Saturday night was totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are working on a series of leads to identify the children responsible.

"We have had one highly significant breakthrough in that blood has been found during the investigation. I would appeal to the parents whose children were out during the evening to check them for any unexplained injuries and to contact police if they believe that their child was involved.

"I would also like to appeal to anyone with any information that relates to the events of Saturday night to contact Adur CID.

"It is sad that the actions of a small minority of children can have such an adverse affect on the wider community.

"We all have a responsibility to work together to identify those responsible and to hold them to account for their actions."

Sussex Police are offering a 250 reward to anyone with information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Contact PC Alan Nickolson, DC Bernie Lawrie or DC Steve Edwards in Adur CID on 0845 6070999, ext 82289, if you have any information.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.