Police have invaded children's playgrounds to stamp out anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Officers visited each secondary school in Eastbourne to tackle youngsters' aggressive behaviour as part of high-profile crackdown Operation Resolve.

The week-long initiative aimed to curb street violence in public places and officers were especially concerned to protect children from each other. Police also boarded afternoon buses ferrying children from schools.

Eastbourne Buses operations director Vernon Barfoot said: "We have been happy to work with Sussex Police to reduce problems on our services this week.

"We have, in the past, suffered problems with vandalism and rowdy behaviour and are always pleased to work with the police to reduce such acts."

Truancy sweeps across the district were also stepped up, with police chiefs warning parents to expect severe action if their child was caught out of school causing trouble.

In the long-term, headteachers will be able to call on two officers dedicated to dealing with school-based problems.

Schools already receive curriculum guidance from police liaison officers.

Ian Jungius, spokesman for Willingdon Community School, Broad Road, Eastbourne, said: "Secondary school head teachers welcome this initiative. It is a further example of the close working relationship the schools have with the police, which has developed over the last few months.

"Operation Resolve is another way in which the police are supporting the work of the schools. And we see it as an important way of nipping criminal activity in the bud before it turns more serious."

About three-quarters of all violent crime in Sussex takes place after 3pm, when most schools finish for the day.

Resolve draws to an end on Sunday after a week during which 400 extra hours have been devoted to police patrols. Nine arrests have been made for violence-related incidents.