A school plagued by vandals has been attacked again.

Two stolen cars were driven into fencing and set on fire at Hertford County Junior School in Lynchet Close, Hollingdean, Brighton, early today.

A similar attack occurred earlier this month just after the £15,000 fencing was erected.

Firefighters extinguished the flames but the Vauxhall Cavalier and Ford Escort were destroyed.

Fencing was also damaged, which had been erected around playing fields where car vandals had been dumping stolen vehicles in the past.

Superintendent Graham Cox, second-in-command of Brighton police, said: "Car crime in that area has been down significantly in the past seven or eight weeks and this incident is very disappointing.

"We are advising on how to protect the site better and we will be taking positive action to trace those responsible for today's attack."

Children from the school have often been banned from playing in the fields because of damage caused by vandals.

Mr Cox said car crime did not just affect vehicle owners and added: "It could have much more serious consequences and we need the public's assistance in tracing culprits."

Council officers and representatives from the education department and the school's headteacher are working together to find a solution.

Ideas being considered include installing obstacles to prevent vehicles reaching the fences.

Witnesses or anyone with information about today's attack are being urged to contact Brighton police on 0845 6070 999.