Police have relaunched an operation aimed at protecting foreign students from attacks.

Officers said Operation Columbus helped drive down crimes against foreign visitors to Hastings and St Leonards to a record low.

They will police areas where students gather and undertake plain-clothed and CCTV surveillance.

Host families are also being asked to help by recommending students not to walk home alone at night and only take essentials when going out.

Inspector Martin Sims said: "In the past, in Hastings, we have had groups of local people who targeted overseas students.

"Last year we pushed down the crime figures to a record low and this year we are determined to keep them down, so we are warning potential troublemakers to think again."