More than 30 rottweiler and boxer dogs were today found living in a bungalow - feeding on a diet of whole rabbits.

A five-year-old girl was also found living at the filthy property.

RSPCA and police officers raided the address in Hailsham near Eastbourne, East Sussex, this morning and immediately informed social services about the girl.

Three police officers were punched and slapped, causing minor injuries, when dogs were seized.

A woman, thought to be the girl's mother, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting the police.

The 42-year-old was also arrested with her husband, 30, on suspicion of causing cruelty to animals.

RSPCA officers took away eight boxer puppies, four boxer bitches, eight rottweiler puppies and two rottweiler bitches, but a further 11 rottweilers and boxers were allowed to remain on the premises.

One puppy with a severe eye infection had to be destroyed later in the day.

The RSPCA last night would say only that a major investigation was underway. Their officers took photographs of conditions inside the premises and of the dogs. Many of the animals had had their tails docked.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "It appears the dogs were being fed rabbits."

East Sussex social services wouldn't say whether the girl had been taken into care but they confirmed they were investigating.

One neighbour said: "The girl looked dirty but she seemed healthy enough."

Some neighbours said they were not surprised that the bungalow had been raided. One said: "I walked past there with my granddaughter only the other day and was met by fierce barking. My granddaughter was very frightened."

Another neighbour said: "They breed dogs there and there is a constant noise problem with barking."

Inspector Claire Stephenson, Sussex Police district commander, said: "I can confirm an incident happened in Hailsham and three officers suffered minor injuries.

"Two people are helping with inquiries and they are continuing to be questioned."