A teenage fire-starter was rushed to hospital after setting himself alight during a rampage through Worthing.

The youngster was part of a gang who torched petrol canisters and gas bottles, police said.

Paramedics raced to the scene after his pals made a 999 call.

But as the burns to his hands were being treated, the tearaways continued their arson spree in Highfield Road, Worthing.

The paramedics had to call in back-up from police and firefighters who put a stop to the madness at just after midnight last night.

Officers said the lad was lucky to escape with just minor injuries.

Firefighter John Etherington said: "One of the kids hurt himself setting fire to petrol cans in the street. When the ambulance got there the others carried on setting fire to everything in sight.

"I think it was a case of bored teenagers."

The boy's injuries were not serious but he was taken to Worthing Hospital for treatment. Police were talking to his parents today.

Police spokesman Mark White said: "The police would advise anybody against playing with fire and especially with petrol.

"This boy had a lucky escape in that he only burnt his hands. It could have been much, much worse.

"Quite often during the school holidays the nuisance kids calls increase, but this summer it has been quite quiet. This is certainly not the norm. It appears to be a one-off."

A matron at Baytrees Nursing Home in Highfield Road said the incident was of great concern.

She said: "It's very worrying because they might start a fire here.

"We have young physically disabled people living here and we don't want this sort of trouble."

No arrests were made.