A skatepark in Worthing has become a target for youngsters intent on causing fires.

Firefighters are called around fives times a week to blazes in Homefield Park in Chestwood Road.

Leading firefighter Jon Barker said: "Some kids keep setting things like pallets from the Co-op supermarket, which is near the park, on fire. Whoever is doing it could end up wrecking their own skate park.

"We have spoken to the youngsters about it but they are not listening. It is only a small number of them who do not see it as a problem.

"Not only are they damaging council property, they are also wasting our resources and causing a danger.

"What happens if something else is happening at the same time elsewhere? It is also not fair on the kids who actually go there to skate. It has been happening for quite a while.

"We are all endeavouring to stop it happening."

Police have been made aware of the problem and will be increasing patrols of the area.