Louts who carry out assaults and vandalism on buses in Sussex will be targeted in a new crackdown.

Youths throwing objects through vehicles' windscreens have been causing growing problems in Brighton and Hove for years.

There have also been attacks on night buses across Sussex.

A partnership announced today will fight crime on buses and coaches across the South-East to create a safer environment.

Transport minister John Spellar said the Safer Travel On Buses and Coaches Panel (Stop) would bring together bus operators, unions, transport and local authorities, the police, passenger groups and officials from various government departments.

Mr Spellar said: "We know that crime and the fear of crime acts as a significant barrier to travelling on public transport.

"This new, official group will deal specifically with bus and coach security issues.

"Ultimately we want to ensure bus and coach crews and passengers can be confident of travelling in safety."

Sean Driscoll, divisional operations manager of Crawley-based Metro Bus, said: "We are concerned about attacks on staff and damage to vehicles. It is also costly to keep buses off the road when they have been vandalised."

The first meeting of Stop will be held in the autumn.