Victims of a teenage gang today claimed police have lost control of law and order in their area.

The Southwick Soldiers, a group of up to 60 armed youths aged between 12 and 16, have built up a reputation during the last year as a ruthless and highly organised gang who have carried out a series of crimes in Southwick.

The gang, which has its own website, is believed to have carried out stabbings, muggings and inflicted serious injuries during fights on a series of victims in Southwick.

Many residents of the otherwise peaceful area have questioned the police ability to cope with the gang.

Families have told The Argus they are scared to go out after 5pm for fear of running into the Soldiers.

One 21-year-old, who has suffered a catalogue of terrifying violence allegedly carried out by the gang said: "It is an absolute joke because the police can't do anything about them.

"If they could do something they would have done it already. It's got the point with me now where I see them doing all sorts of things but I don't bother calling the police because I know they won't come out and stop it."

He has suffered a broken jaw, seen walls demolished by the gang, had friends beaten up and seen families threatened.

But he said every time he has reported an incident there has been no action taken by officers.

A shopkeeper said he feared somebody would be murdered if the violence continued to escalate.

He said: "They are carrying weapons around with them at the moment and it is only a matter of time before one of them pulls a knife and kills someone."

Another Southwick resident said: "They have gone from minor crimes like vandalism to beating people up and stabbing them and the next step will be killing somebody."

The Argus first reported on the Southwick Soldiers in April when levels of violence had already escalated to a point where 15 of the 32 people we spoke to had been a victim of the gang. All 32 said they knew someone who was a victim.

Police in Southwick said they have increased high visibility patrols.

A spokesman said: "Local support team patrols are being made during the weekends and when intelligence has been received regarding possible disorder officers have made home visits to potential troublemakers and their parents to discourage their involvement.

"This has had a positive impact. Reported crime is actually low in the Southwick area. Arrests made in recent weeks have been as a result of pro-active policing and in response to spontaneous incidents."

Sgt Ariarna Brotherhood said: "We would acknowledge that the gathering of youths and low-level antisocial behaviour does have a disproportionate affect on public reassurance.

"There is, however, only a small number of mindless people who are intent on causing problems.

"We would like to appeal to the parents of young people in the area to be aware of where their children are and the effect their behaviour can have on the general public."