Eleven people were arrested as police shut down a Brighton drugs den today.

Officers found balls of crack cocaine worth more than £1,000 hidden under floorboards.

Rooms were littered with syringes and rubbish. The kitchen was strewn with rotting food and walls were stained with blood.

Bags of suspected stolen property, including CDs and electrical equipment were seized.

Officers, some wearing stab-proof vests and helmets, smashed down the front door early today.

Neighbours came out to congratulate police.

One said: "You can smell the place from across the street sometimes. And people were calling there all hours of the night and day.

"I think all those who were in there were squatting. Thank goodness for the police."

Officers put a Premises Closed sign on the front door before leaving.

Inspector Rob Carden said conditions inside the property were disgusting.

Also found was a Christmas card to the squatters from police, a message letting occupants know police were aware of what was going on inside.