Residents in a sheltered housing block say they are living in fear despite police raids to crack down on criminals.

Detectives who led a drugs swoop on a flat in Saunders Park House, Hollingdean, Brighton, six months ago said they had never seen anything like it.

Every room was ankle-deep in rotting food, empty cans, dirty clothing and cigarette butts.

But despite the raid, people who live in the 17-home block say they live in fear of drug users who gatecrash the building.

They say the security door at the front of the elegantly-converted water tower, which opened as flats four years ago, has been kicked in up to 40 times in the past two years.

One tenant said he was punched last week but was too afraid to inform police.

Residents, many of whom have learning or physical difficulties, say their home has become a den for drug-dealers who break in and use the communal areas to inject.

New Downland Housing Association (NDHA), which manages the block, said it was aware of the residents' fears and was installing CCTV cameras.

Daniel Hills, chairman of the block's tenants' association, said: "They're putting the most vulnerable members of society here and then bringing violent criminals among us.

"I was the first person through the front door when the place opened four years ago. It was a lovely place to live then.

"But we've had people allocated here who are completely unsuitable. These people should not be here. We're all scared but nothing is being done.

"I've written to the trust hundreds of times but it says there's nothing it can do. It's just a nightmare."

A spokeswoman for NDHA said: "The association is aware of the alleged antisocial behaviour at Saunders Park House and has acted to improve the situation.

"It will be installing CCTV and other measures in an effort to further improve security.

"Residents have also been made aware they need to take responsibility for their visitors' behaviour."