A crackdown on attacks on foreign students has been hailed a success after residents helped to identify the culprits.

The blitz on troublemakers followed a string of attacks on language school students.

They had resulted in several students being injured and one being robbed of £500.

Operation Target concentrated on known trouble spots in Lancing, including North Street, Crabtree Lane and the park off Larkfield Road.

The crackdown resulted in six youths being arrested during the two-day operation and five more being identified by local residents.

The operation was co-ordinated by Sergeant Ian Cooke and PC Steve Field of Adur sector police.

Sgt Cooke said: "Up to 40 youths were gathering in these areas causing problems for local residents.

"A number of them were thought to be responsible for some of the recent attacks on foreign students visiting Lancing.

"Residents are completely fed-up with their behaviour and were happy to identify them to us.

"We used some positive evidence-gathering methods, including in-their-face filming with video cameras.

"A number of youths were arrested and warned about their behaviour during the operation.

"We have the names of several others and will be visiting them very shortly.

"Violence towards visitors to Adur is not acceptable and it is something we take very seriously.

"We have met the students and their teachers since the operation took place and explained to them what we have done.

"Both they and local residents have been very supportive and we want to thank them for their help.

"We want people to visit Adur and be able to go home with the feeling that it is a nice place to come back to."