Science students at a technical college are afraid to head back to their classrooms after sewage leaked through the ceiling.

Building work at City College Brighton and Hove's Pelham Tower has been on-going for several months.

The former Brighton College of Technology has sold off a number of buildings around the city to focus operations on the campus centred around an 11-storey tower on Grand Parade.

But students have questioned the safety of the building while work continues, particularly after toilets overflowed and seeped through to the floor below.

One student, who did not want to be named, said: "We have been moved about all year, not knowing where we are going. The building seems unfinished and does not feel safe.

"On one occasion there was raw sewage dripping through the building from the toilets overflowing on level nine."

A college spokeswoman said the initial phases of an £8 million refurbishment were just being completed.

She said: "Throughout the development phases, it has been necessary to close and relocate some facilities in order to upgrade them.

"As with any building work, it is inevitable there will be problems and on one occasion recently there was a severe blockage in one set of toilets.

"Action was taken immediately to deal with this. The college health and safety officer continually monitors and reviews the building works to ensure they comply with all the necessary legislation."

She said the college recognised there had been inconvenience to some students but had tried to minimise it and keep staff and students informed.

The spokeswoman added a contract had now been issued for phases three and four of the rebuilding.

These would include the development of a new learning resource centre, training facilities for the hospitality and catering industry and a new student eating area.