CALLS for stricter safety rules for landlords have been made after a man fell from a balcony and was impaled on railings below.

Tom Ross fell from the first floor balcony of his rented flat in Waterloo Street, Hove, last Wednesday at 9.20pm.

Police said the balcony gave way and the 28-year-old landed thigh-first on the cast iron, diamond-shaped railings.

“However, there is no suggestion at this stage that anyone is at fault in this case. The cause of the incident is not known and an investigation has started.”

Emergency services spent an hour helping him to safety before he was taken to hospital for surgery. He is now recovering at home.

Calls have been made for increased safety measures to prevent further injuries relating to balconies across the city.

Neighbour Bill Cowell said landlords should produce safety certificates for their entire property.

He said: "The regulations only cover gas and electric at the moment - landlords should have a certificate for the whole building. I urge everyone not to trust cast iron railings. They become brittle in the salt air."

Georgette Leveau, who has lived in a flat on the street since 2006, said in her native France the safety of rented homes is governed by law.

She said: "I absolutely think the council and government could be and should be doing more. They should not wait for another accident to happen."

Ward councillor Ollie Sykes, said there was "room" for the council to do more.

He said: "I totally understand people's concerns. You think about how many of these railings there are in Brighton and Hove and this is quite frightening.

"I will take this further with council officers and see if there is something we can do."

A council spokesman explained property maintenance rests with the owners, but said the council will establish whether any of their enforcement powers are appropriate.

Neighbours and passersby rushed to the aid of Mr Ross before the emergency services arrived.

Ed Kluz, 35, of Norfolk Square, described a "horrendous" scene as passersby held Mr Ross up.

Preston Circus firefighter Dave Statham said he had to be dosed up with painkillers and lifted off the railings.

David Wilkins, of Wilkins Residential, the managing agent of the property, said the balcony was totally overhauled nine years ago.

He added: "The property was also surveyed a month ago and there were no indications of any problems. We are not sure what caused the accident. We won't know until the loss adjuster from the insurance company inspects the building."

Access to the balcony has since been sealed up.

Neither Parklane Development Group Limited, a company listed in the British Virgin Islands, or Catherine Van Tienhoven, both registered owners of the flat, could be contacted before going to press.