Two premises were found to have sold alcohol to children in a police operation.

A shop assistant and a barmaid were both found to have sold alcohol to people under-age when Sussex Police carried out a series of test purchases at off-licences, pubs and supermarkets in West Sussex on Thursday.

Children were sold alcohol at The Red Lion in Shoreham and at HD Food & Wine in Ham Road, Worthing.

The shop assistant at HD Food & Wine was given a £90 fixed penalty notice. The barmaid at The Red Lion is to be interviewed by police.

During the operation, seven premises were tested using children aged 15 and 16.
 
Shop staff refused to sell alcohol to the children at Magnet News and The Offie in Crabtree Lane, Lancing, at the Co-op in Ham Road, Worthing, at The Three Fishes pub in Chapel Road, Worthing, and at Morrisons in Littlehampton.
 

 Jean Irving, the force's head of licensing and public safety, said: "It is unacceptable for any premises to sell alcohol to children and we will continue to run operations to ensure shops, pubs and clubs are not breaking the law.
 
"Young people becoming intoxicated not only put them in danger but can also lead to crime and antisocial behaviour which can have a big impact on local communities.
 
"We take this type of incident very seriously and will take robust action against any licensed premises that puts young people at risk of harm."

If you know or suspect children are being sold alcohol, please email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.