A 13-year-old West Sussex boy has become one of the youngest people to be accused of drink-driving.

Police said today the teenager has been accused of driving with excess alcohol and aggravated vehicle-taking following a car crash in Littlehampton on June 2.

The boy, who lives in the town and is too young to be named, was arrested after two members of the public who witnessed the smash frog-marched him to a police station.

He is due to appear before magistrates at Worthing on Thursday and has also been accused of burglary.

A police spokesman said: "The youth is certainly one of the youngest people ever accused of driving with excess alcohol.

"Records for the last six years show that in Sussex, the youngest was 13 years and 11 months. This youth is 13 years and 10 months."

Arun district councillor Alan Gammon said: "I'm quite shocked to hear about this."

And Jay Calascione, of the safety campaign group RoadPeace, said she was horrified to hear of someone so young alleged to have been drink-driving.

Mrs Calascione, who lives at Chichester, said there were frequent cases of teenagers aged 14 and upwards joyriding and driving irresponsibly.

She said: "Many perceive dangerous driving as no worse than scrumping apples.

"A lot depends on the family to provide proper guidance. Behind the wheel of car you're as dangerous as carrying a grenade."