Two West Sussex villages plagued by antisocial teenagers are to get extra police help.

Police chiefs warned today that any youngsters causing trouble in Rustington and East Preston will be arrested.

Daily patrols in the two villages have been stepped up to make sure the disturbances cease.

Police launched the crackdown after nine teenagers were charged with public order offences after disturbances in Rustington last week.

Up to 30 youths tried to gatecrash a party in the Woodland Centre and when police confronted them they were verbally abused and had to dodge beer bottles being thrown at them.

Officers confiscated alcohol and the area was littered with beer cans and bottles.

The following day a large group of youths caused problems in Sea Road, East Preston, blocking the entrance to shops and kicking footballs against windows.

This followed incidents the previous week when fences were broken and windows damaged.

Arun District commander Chief Inspector Steve Whitton said: "The behaviour of these teenagers will not be tolerated.

"Let this be a warning. Officers have stepped up patrols and will arrest anyone causing trouble."

Residents in the two villages say they have been frightened by the gangs of young people and traders are losing business.

Ian Greig, of Rustington Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "It is scary for residents when you see a gang of youths almost rampaging through the streets.

"It can also mean trouble for the late-night shops and restaurants which are open."

Neighbourhood policing team inspector Liz Walker said officers will inform parents of any youngster causing trouble.

She said: "I am sure they will be surprised and take a closer interest in what their children are getting up to and we are being supported by the schools in this matter.

"The message is that this behaviour is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it."

The Angmering School is already telling students it will take action, along with the police.

Headteacher David Brixey said: "We believe that it is important for all young people to learn how to behave sociably in their community."

Although this weekend was quieter, police arrested an 18-year- old following a report of a disturbance by a group of youths in The Street, Rustington on Friday night.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 12-year-old girl was assaulted.

The incident happened on St Valentine's Day in Test Road, Sompting.

Police said today that the girl suffered minor injuries to her face, knee and shoulder.