Two drunken 14-year-olds were jailed “for their own protection” after they were accused of causing a trail of destruction.

Police were called after pint-sized vandals were spotted smashing windows and kicking cars in Portland Road, Hove.

Witnesses identified two “staggering” youths to patrolling police community support officers.

A sergeant from the road policing unit at Hove was sent to the scene to arrest the teenagers on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said they were taken to police cells at Hollingbury for their own protection at 9.30pm while officers contacted their parents.

The youngsters were too drunk to be questioned so they were kept in custody overnight to give them the chance to sober up.

Inspector Jason Hazzard, police commander for Hove, said: “The two lads were more tipsy than blind drunk but again it highlights the problems of underage drinking.

“They did not have any alcohol on them when they were stopped and we will speak to them about where they got it from.

“Again we are appealing to parents to be aware of where their children are at night and what they are up to.

“We have been running Operation Park in Hove for some time checking on local parks and places where youths gather at night.

“We will continue to confiscate alcohol found in the possession of anyone who is underage.”

The two were questioned about the incident with their parents present on Wednesday and were released on police bail while inquiries continue.

The incident happened a week after a 13-year-old girl was taken to hospital after being found drunk in Shoreham.

Police found her walking home from a funfair with a friend. She had drunk so much vodka her friend had to help her to stand up.

Officers were so concerned about the state she was in they took her to hospital after they could not find her parents.