A Brighton police inspector has said “the sudden influx of foreign nationals into the criminal justice system” is putting a strain on Sussex Police.

Inspector Rob Leet said the force’s workload has been doubled by foreign criminals and costs spiralled because of the need for interpreters.

Writing in a community magazine he said “newcomers from various countries” including Poland, Vietnam, Nigeria, Romania, Albania and China were among those to blame for the “huge increase in both work and expense”.

He said: “Perhaps the biggest thorn in our side is the language barrier.

“Whilst it’s inevitable that many of our foreign customers will struggle with the English language, there are also those that simply pretend that they don’t understand anything we say to them.”

He said translators were now as common a sight in custody suites as solicitors.

Insp Leet said police involvement with foreign nationals comes as people are drawn to the UK to “do rather menial jobs for low wages”, as organised crime groups target the British public with scams and to make money by drug dealing and setting up cannabis factories.

As well as being criminals, Insp Leet said foreign nationals can also often be victims, being forced to bulk shoplift by organised gangs or being part of human trafficking or exploitation.

He concluded: “The issue is a complex one and a real challenge to police forces all over the country.”

Chief Inspector Bruce Matthews said: “We have a diverse population living in and visiting Brighton and Hove, this will be reflected in crime as both victims and suspects.

"As has always been the case, policing has to adapt to any of the challenges and issues presented. Locally we aim to provide a quality response and service to everyone.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, said: “There are many draws on police resources, however, we must make sure that despite the cost, if someone has committed a crime or if someone is a victim of crime then we have a duty to investigate in the same way.”