Youths went berserk at a camp site, jumping on tents as people lay inside and causing hundreds of pounds' damage.

The gang ambushed a group of young people and several adults who had pitched tents at a remote Scout campsite, jumping on the canvas until the tents collapsed.

A Scout leader was kicked in the head during the mele and a 14-year-old boy also suffered a blow to his head when a tent pole fell on him.

The group abandoned camp in the middle of the night.

They returned on Saturday to discover their tents and equipment had been wrecked.

The attack took place on Friday night at a site at Small Dole, near Henfield.

Teana Ashey, district commissioner for Adur Valley District Scouts, was taking part in the camp with her 14-year-old son Ben.

Other campers included young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and several Scout leaders.

Mrs Ashley said: "We had just turned in for the night and I was not quite asleep when I heard an almighty noise, a lot of drunken shouting and filthy language, and then the extremely violent sound of someone smashing the tents down.

"I was in my nightie in my sleeping bag and felt very vulnerable. I thought I would do the cowardly thing and stay in my tent.

"They were jumping on the tents, including a brand new one we had only bought that day. It was a very violent attack and I was very frightened.

"It sounded like they were drunk or high on something.

"I think the Duke of Edinburgh people got out of their tents because I could hear them trying to reason with these people, but then they starting jumping on our tent.

"My son got a blow on the head from a tent pole as our tent caved in.

"I phoned the police on my mobile but when they came the gang had already left.

"I couldn't stop shaking and my teeth were chattering with the shock. My child was shocked into silence for the first time in his life.

"I thought my friend was having a heart attack. We were all in a real state. Yet the police were saying there wasn't a lot they could do."

Adur Valley Scouts may not use the site again.

Mrs Ashley said: "That camp has been used since about 1920 but I'll be advising all my people, about 800 or 900 of them, that it's not safe for young people any more.

"It was just lucky our Cubs and Scouts weren't there when this happened."