Youngsters in the Brighton suburb of Moulsecoomb are playing a stupid game which could result in tragedy.

They like to get hold of cars, drive them to Woollard's Field off the Lewes Road, smash them up and then set them alight.

These kids, some well below the age at which they can legally drive, are literally playing with fire.

It's bad enough for kids with limited driving experience to get hold of old bangers and take them away. But it's downright dangerous to torch them.

Some of the authorities seem rather apathetic. There's a collective shrugging of shoulders as if this sort of thing happens all the time and can't be helped.

It's the kind of attitude that over the years has helped Moulsecoomb gain a dark reputation. Torched-out cars on a playing field do nothing to dispel it.

The authorities must take urgent action over this field so that it is spruced up and made impossible for cars to be left there in any state.

Police need to keep a careful watch each night in this small area and ensure they catch the kids who must be well known to neighbours.

The well-publicised community wardens appointed for this area under the New Deal need to make their presence felt too. We may have the New Deal but so far we also have a depressingly familiar old story.