Police are looking to trace a group of teenagers who were spotted shortly before fires were deliberately started at two schools 300 yards apart.

Damage costing thousands of pounds was caused to Seaford Head Lower School, Steyne Road, Seaford, and Annecy Roman Catholic Primary School in Sutton Avenue.

In both cases, huge rubbish bins in storage areas were set ablaze, causing large sections of the schools to be damaged on Wednesday evening during the Easter school holidays.

Police revealed several people had seen a group of youngsters in the Steyne Road area before the attacks.

A force spokesman said: "They were wearing casual clothes and were last seen heading in the direction of the town centre.

"We are keen to hear from them or anyone who may have seen them."

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or in confidence via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.