Traders in a graffiti-hit shopping street are calling for security cameras to deter vandals.

The call comes after obscene graffiti was scrawled across the front of the former Stones butcher's shop in Lewes Road, Brighton.

The messages include 'Are the Lambs Silent Yet?', 'Bye Bye Scum' and an assortment of abusive language.

The shop closed several months ago and the owner has now moved to bigger premises in Hollingdean Lane.

But shopkeepers nearby say people will turn their nose up at the street because the graffiti makes it look down-at-heel.

Shopkeepers say the vandalism has made the street "an utter tip" and some have compared it with Beirut.

Eddie Harwood, who runs the Pennywise store with his son David, said: "The place just looks an utter tip. We need a camera here.

"London Road is an exit and an entrance to Brighton and only comes alive at 10.30pm at night. It is like being in Beirut."

He said businesses set up in the street but closed quickly, adding: "This street is a graffiti artist's dream."

Patrick Cheung, 17, who occasionally works at Christoforou's fish and chip shop next door, said: "It could affect business here. It does look pretty grotty."

A Brighton and Hove Council spokesman said an inspector would check the amount of graffiti at the shop and try to contact the freeholder.