A gang of youths risked neighbours' lives by letting off a gas canister near their homes.

The incident is the latest in a spate of antisocial behaviour which has left residents of Hangleton, Hove, feeling under seige by yobs.

Mum-of-two Lorraine Jackman, 34, said: "The whole area is overgrown and it has basically become the local dump.

"I've had boulders thrown into my garden while my two-year-old was out playing but this is the final straw."

People living in Hardwick Road grew worried when they heard a loud hissing noise coming from a nearby disused garage.

Police and firefighters were called and it later emerged a group of youths had dumped the container behind the row of homes before running off.

Mrs Jackman told The Argus: "The firefighters said it was dangerous and we had a lucky escape.

"I dread to think what would have happened if something had ignited it."

Mrs Jackman said up to 20 youngsters - some as young as four -regularly loitered around the garages.

She added: "ìThey play in the garages and even jump though the rotting roofs.

"The problem is there is nothing for them to do in Hangleton. Something needs to change."

Council workers were called to remove the canister after firefighters ensured the area was safe after the scare which began at about 6pm on Tuesday.

Hangleton councillor Dawn Barnett said: "This was a shocking incident and there is no excuse for behaviour like this.

"There are clubs and things for the kids to do but there is a minority who are intent on causing trouble.

"I'm 67 and we didn't have much to do when we were young but we didn't get into so much mischief.

"People are often reluctant to point the finger but if anybody can give me names of those responsible I will get the situation dealt with.

"The area needs to be secured because there will be a serious accident up there if these kids are allowed to roam in the garages."

This garage site was closed in 2005 as most of the garages were in a state of disrepair.

The long term use of the site is now being reviewed as part of a council review.

A police spokeswoman said: "This could have been a much more serious incident. We are aware there are concerns about youths congregating at the garages.

"We urge local residents to contact their neighbourhood policing team when any future concerns arise."

A council spokesman said: "We are looking into ways of making the site more secure."