Truancy trawl nets four in Bexhill

In total fourteen children were found outside school and were stopped and quizzed. Four had no legitimate reason and were returned to school. In Hastings six unauthorised absentees were found out of 24 children stopped.

Senlac Community Safety Unit's sergeant Phil Mears said: "During the course of today's operation a lock knife was recovered. Other children were found to be in possession of cigarettes.

"This confirms the view that children who truant are more likely to engage in unsafe activities and/or break the law.

"There will be further truancy sweeps during the rest of the school year.

"Parents are responsible for ensuring their children's attendance at school.

"If a child is unable to attend because of illness then the school should be contacted."