A teenage boy who broke a shop window and shouted racial abuse has been sentenced in court. 

The 16-year-old was interviewed by police following an incident in Wishing Tree Road North, St Leonards, where a group of young people had racially abused a member of staff a shop and broken a window. 

The boy was ordered to pay £200 compensation and was made subject to a 12 month referral order when he appeared by Eastbourne Youth Court. 

Sergeant Peter Allan, the force's hate crime sergeant, said: "I am pleased this boy has been sentenced for the racially aggravated words he used and the damage he caused. He did not act alone however, and if anyone knows the identities of the others involved I would urge them to call 101 quoting reference 1476 of 14 March.

"This sentence sends out a clear signal that we will take a robust approach to those who target individuals based on their race, disability, gender identity, religion or sexual orientation.

"I hope this case will encourage other victims of hate crime to report such behaviour to the police.

"Hate crime can be reported to us by calling 01273 470101, or 999 in an emergency. For those who wish to report online, you can do so by completing the short form http://bit.ly/1fTDYJh  which is available on our website."