A street cleaner with learning difficulties says he is being tormented by a town's youths.

The man, in his 40s, is forced to shelter in shops in Lancing to escape from teenagers who taunt him and make his life a misery.

The victim, who has not been named, is employed by Adur District Council to work in the town centre and is a familiar figure to local shoppers.

Sergeant Ian Cooke, of Adur police, said: "At times he has been forced to go into local shops to hide from the youngsters who torment him.

"It is not right he is treated in this way just because he is less fortunate than others.

"He is providing a valuable service for the people of Lancing but, at times, is being prevented from doing his job properly because of the treatment he receives."

Sergeant Cooke appealed for anyone who sees the cleaner being tormented or mistreated to name those responsible.

He said police cameras in the town centre would be used to try to identify those concerned.

He also appealed to the town's traders belonging to the local Shopwatch scheme to notify him of any incidents.