A teenager's first car could be a write-off after it was flooded with raw sewage from a pumping station.

Sherrine El Hawary, 19, of Brooklyn Road, Seaford, had only had her Fiat Uno nine months when it was flooded during an early morning thunderstorm.

Neighbours blame regular floods in the quiet street on problems with Southern Water's pumping station nearby.

Miss El Hawary, a barmaid, said her insurance will not cover the damage and Southern Water has not even apologised.

She said: "I'd been saving up for ages for my car through tips and working really hard. Now mechanics say it could be a write-off.

"It's completely seized up and could cost me more to fix it than when I bought it - that's if it works again at all.

"I'm really upset and angry. Southern Water could do a lot about our flood problem and obviously haven't. Now I'm having to pay for it with my first car."

Residents woke at 5am last Monday to find their pathways flooded and sewage lapping at their doors.

Miss El Hawary said: "By the time I got to the car it was too late. It had already been flooded and it absolutely stank, it was disgusting.

"The water was just below the door but when I opened it water came pouring out. It was even on the seats at the back.

"My insurance company said they wouldn't cover it because I'm third party. I told Southern Water my car had been flooded and could be a write-off and was expecting at least an apology but they didn't seem to care."

The car cost £300 and she paid £800 for her insurance.

Neighbours said the flooding was affecting property prices as buyers could see the sandbags left permanently outside homes.

A Southern Water spokeswoman said: "I would like to apologise to Miss El Hawary if she was treated rudely. We do appreciate Brooklyn Road is prone to flooding and are continuing to investigate how best to reduce these incidents.

"We hope we can find a suitable solution for the residents as soon as possible. We are monitoring the pumping station closely to ensure it is working to its full potential."