A shop owner has condemned vandals who damaged a window displaying an American flag put up in tribute to the US terrorism victims.

Peter Wilson, of the Catalogue Shop, Chapel Road, Worthing, has had a large Stars-and-Stripes flag on display since the New York and Washington atrocities last week.

Mr Wilson said the damage to his window was disrespectful to thousands of people killed, injured and bereaved in the US.

The window was broken early yesterday or on Monday night.

Mr Wilson said: "This is the fifth time this year I have had windows smashed.

"The time before last, my insurers told me they may consider stopping my glass cover. I have now had two claims since then so it looks like I won't be covered any more.

"I am now looking at having shutters and grilles fitted.

"This won't go down well with the council because I am in a conservation area but I have been left with no choice."

He warned said that if he was not allowed to protect the windows he would consider closing his store, which sells surplus clothes and gifts from home-shopping catalogues.

Meanwhile, a US flag which flew over Washington earlier this year has been loaned to the people of Worthing.

The flag was flown over the Capitol on May 16 before being presented to the Friendship Force of Sussex.

Worthing Mayor Valerie Sutton said she was very touched by the gesture of lending the flag to the town.