Yobs went on the rampage on a Brighton estate last night, hurling stones at buses and cars and attempting to torch a youth centre.

The trouble started at about 8.20pm when louts attacked the 67 Youth Centre, in Hodshrove Road, Moulsecoomb.

Vandals climbed on to the roof, smashed two skylights and threw burning paper into the building in a failed attempt to set it ablaze.

The alarms went off and the fire brigade was called out. Firefighters also tackled a blazing pile of rubbish outside the centre.

Leading Firefighter Phil Dobson said: "They had dropped a load of tissues and paper inside and tried set the whole place on fire."

The flames did not spread and the centre was not seriously damaged.

Centre manager Kemi Oluyemi said: "It is a shame what happened but it is one of many problems to do with social factors. It is a case of looking at our problems and trying to deal with them."

An hour later, police were called to the junction of Lewes Road and Barcombe Road after reports of up to 15 youths hurling stones at passing cars.

At about 10pm, stone-throwing youths smashed windows on two buses in Coldean Lane.

A police spokeswoman said: "There were various youths out and about and when we turned up they just evaporated.

"It is possible the incidents are linked. We will be patrolling the area in the next few days and will keep an eye on the situation."

Brighton police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 0845 6070999.

Ian Mills, garage staff manager at Brighton and Hove Bus Company, said there were regular incidents of missiles being thrown at bus windows near Wild Park in Moulsecoomb.

The company has also had to stop the number 1 bus going through Whitehawk for up to a week in the past after attacks.

Mr Mills said: "It is something we take very seriously. Apart from the cost of repairs, some of the things being thrown through bus windows are quite large rocks and it is very dangerous for drivers and passengers.

"They could really hurt someone. We would always seek to prosecute."