A drug dealer has been caught peddling to young boys through his car window like "the local ice cream man."

Police stepped in when they spotted children as young as 13 huddling around the dealer's car as he drove into their street.

PC Bob Burdett was on patrol on the Coldean estate in Brighton yesterday when he spotted three youngsters at the car window.

A man in his 30s was arrested and is expected to be bailed pending further inquiries.

Cash and a quantity of cannabis were seized.

Inspector Steve Curry said: "This was the result of increased police patrols on the estate and they are getting results.

"There have been incidents of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour and we are determined to crack down."

Mr Curry is part of the Coldean Local Action Team (CLAT) which includes church representatives and councillors Pat Hawkes and Tehmtan Framrose.

The first initiative of its kind in the city, it wants funding from Sussex Police, which provides grants for anti-crime projects, to combat vandalism, graffiti, burglaries and drug dealing.

Mr Framrose, chairman of the group, said: "People say they never see a policeman but last night's arrest is an example of the police keeping their word and increasing their presence.

"We will continue working together to combat anti-social behaviour on the estate."

CLAT is planning diversionary activities, including sports and discos, for youngsters while police step up patrols.

Many of the 120 residents who answered a questionnaire said they were tormented by vandalism, harassment and intimidation.