Police have warned that a gang of teenagers throwing stones at cars and shops in Lancing could seriously injure someone.

Stones have been found after a spate of reports of windows in shops and cars being smashed in Lancing on Wednesday between 11.45pm and 12.15am.

Four cars parked on the A259 at had windows broken and shop windows were smashed at the Naaz Indian restaurant in North Road, the Great Italian Pizza in South Street and the PCRS motorcycle shop in South Street.

Frosts garage in Brighton Road, Shoreham, also had a window smashed for the second time.

Sergeant Ian Cooke said: "I believe it is youths mucking about. They are either chucking stones or using a catapult with stones. No one has been hurt so far but someone could get seriously hurt.

"We are making inquiries in the area. Their action is dangerous and is causing thousands of pounds worth of damage."

A member of the public was near a car when it was damaged and reported seeing three of four youths driving away in a dark coloured hatchback, possibly a Vauxhall Nova or a Ford Fiesta, with a white GB sticker on the right of the back bumper.

Mr Cooke said: "We would like any witnesses or anyone who has information about these incidents or who may know the whereabouts of this car, to contact us.

"We are linking these incidents with others and would urge the public to help us in putting a stop to it."