A MAN has been arrested after it is alleged he sabotaged safe sex practices and deliberately passed on HIV to male partners through sex.

Sussex Police announced it has arrested a man in his 20s with a Scottish accent on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

A force spokeswoman said in a statement they are investigating reports a man has been intentionally putting sexual partners at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by deliberately sabotaging safe sex practices.

At this stage of the investigation, two men have come forward to the police as being potential victims.

However Sussex Police has not confirmed the name of the alleged suspect.

The suspect is said to have committed the offences in Brighton between October last year and this month.

He has been released on police bail while the investigation continues.

Brighton and Hove City Council issued a public health warning this morning after “serious concern about HIV transmission in Brighton and Hove”.

Dr Tom Scanlon, director of public health for Brighton and Hove, said: “I am asking any man who may have had sexual contact with a man of this description between October 2015 and mid February 2016 to contact local sexual health services.

"Service providers will be able to offer advice on whether further testing is required.

“HIV is a serious condition, and there are other sexually transmitted infections which can be acquired during unsafe sex.

"Early diagnosis and treatments are available and the message of safe sex with the clear and consistent use of condoms remains as strong as ever.

“We are working closely with the police, Public Health England and our partners in sexual health services on this matter. I would encourage anyone with concerns relating to this individual to contact their local sexual health services.”

Anyone with health concerns should call the Terrence Higgins Trust on 01273 764200 or Claude Nicol Centre on 01273 523388.

Anyone with information or thinks they may have had a sexual encounter with the man should call police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Brickhill.