Drug addicts are causing havoc in a block of flats.

Residents of exclusive Blenheim Court in Hove have complained about blood splattered walls, discarded needles and squatters roaming the stairs and entrance foyer.

The flats in New Church Road are some of the most exclusive in Hove with two-bedroom properties in the block selling for up to £200,000.

Caretaker Colin Welfare recently handed a plastic container full of needles to the police.

He said: "At least one quarter of the residents are elderly and there are young children playing around the flats. I'd hate to think what would happen if one picked up a needle.

"Sometimes, I can pick up two or three needles a day and I have to clean the blood off the walls. The smell is foul."

PC Paul Allen, who patrols the area, said: "We are concerned. The access to the building is insecure and it is the only block of flats in the area that the homeless and addicts can get into."

The freeholder, Parsons, Son and Basley, is talking to the residents' association, police, fire brigade and city council about a way to make the building safer without making it a fire risk although such work could cost thousands of pounds.