Gangs of children are ripping badges off cars for use in a bizarre playground game.

Secondary school pupils are targeting vehicles in Littlehampton and stealing their emblems.

Police have launched an investigation and are searching for youngsters believed to be involved in the craze.

Officers have recovered more than 100 badges in their bid to smash the vandalism ring.

And despite arresting and questioning seven children, aged between 11 and 15, they are still looking for members of the gang.

The badges have been taken from cars in Littlehampton in the past month.

They are from all types of car but Mercedes, BMWs and Fords have been the most popular.

Inspector Mark Hammond, of Sussex Police, said: "It appears this is a game carried out by a particular year group at a local school. The staff at the school involved have been extremely helpful and proactive. It may be a game to those involved but it causes significant distress and cost to the owners of the cars. This is straightforward criminal damage and will not be tolerated.

"We are determined to pursue those involved and, when identified, they will be arrested and dealt with in the appropriate manner.

"These youths must understand that being arrested will result in fingerprints and DNA being taken from them as well as having a criminal offence against their names.

"Parents and guardians must also understand the full implications."

A police spokesman said the force expected to make more arrests over the coming weeks.

Detectives are still trying to get to the bottom of the craze so they can catch the culprits.

Raids on suspects have led to more than 100 badges being recovered but officers will not say how they are identifying those youngsters involved.

Jayne Wilson, headteacher at Littlehampton Community School in Hill Road, said: "The police and the school work in very close partnership and take every opportunity to support each other in their work with the young people who live in or visit Littlehampton.

"None of the thefts occurred during the school day but it is important the community knows there is a seamless link between schools, community and police when advising and supporting our young people about the consequences of their actions."

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.