The council has warned it cannot maintain a full bin collection service because of the "deliberate sabotage" of its lorries.

Brighton and Hove City Council said its vehicles are being damaged at an “unprecedented” rate which is causing collections to be missed.

The authority said earlier this week that vehicle defects have “increased dramatically” since some Cityclean staff lost their jobs last October.

The job losses came amid a barrister's independent report detailing the “toxic” culture at the Hollingdean depot.

There have been dozens of roads around the city left with overflowing bins and rubbish strewn across the streets following the missed collections.

The council originally blamed the situation on two lorries having their wires cut but has now revealed there has been even more damage to its fleet.

A council spokesman said: "Along with the two vehicles with cut wires, we've experienced an unprecedented and unexplained number of reported vehicle defects – which we suspect may be intentionally caused.

“We do have some spare vehicles, but not enough to maintain a full service in the face of the deliberate sabotage the service is experiencing.”

Earlier this week, Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey described the vandalism as “unlawful and scandalous”.

"We know the vast majority of Cityclean staff are extremely hard working and want to do an excellent job for our residents and the city,” she said.

"However, the sabotage and resulting disruption of recent weeks show there is a small minority who are disrupting our waste and recycling service. Under my leadership, we will not be held to ransom by these people.

“Ensuring we have a waste and recycling service that keeps our city clean and tidy is an absolute priority for myself and the leadership of the council.

“We’re taking the necessary steps to find out who is responsible for this illegal sabotage and they will face the most serious disciplinary action.”

The damage is being investigated by Sussex Police.

At a meeting of the council’s city environment, South Downs and the sea committee at Hove Town Hall on Tuesday,  Labour councillor Tim Rowkins said the council has bought four new zero-emission bin lorries that will be delivered in the next few weeks.