Seafront traders are calling for a clampdown by police on under-age drinkers who gather under Brighton's Palace Pier.

Peter Avey, who runs a gift shop, amusement arcade and fast food outlet, said teenage drinkers were turning the seafront into a "no-go" area on Friday and Saturday nights.

He also said traders near the pier could start patrolling the area themselves if police did not act before the start of the holiday season.

He said: "It is like a no-go area on a Friday and Saturday night, it really is. I couldn't believe it, bottles being thrown and smashed, kids fighting, someone is going to get seriously hurt.

"I want my business protected because I pay rates but I don't seem to be getting anything for them."

He said he closed early on Saturday because about 30 youngsters had gathered under the pier by 7pm.

The previous Saturday his business was broken into and last weekend someone attempted to break down the shutters.

Mr Avey said: "In the end we are going to have to protect our own property. The police don't seem to be interested."

Fellow trader Les Minden said: "It is a big problem. It should be stopped before the season starts."

Inspector Lorraine Morrison, central Brighton police commander, said officers would be meeting with Pier management and visiting seafront traders to discuss the problems.

She said: "This is not something we will tolerate and we shall be pro-actively dealing with any troublemakers."