A CAMPAIGNER against homelessness says drug-fuelled violence is so rife on Brighton’s streets that rough sleepers are forming gangs to protect themselves.

Jim Deans, founder of Sussex Homeless Support, says a drug up to 50 times more powerful than heroin is causing so much violence that street sleepers are fleeing the city, fearing for their lives.

Mr Deans spends most of his time on the streets, providing the city’s homeless population with food, clothes and company.

He said: “We need the Red Cross down here because it’s a bloody war zone.”

“I personally know of two homeless people that have been stabbed in the last six months – but most of these crimes go unreported meaning the statistics don’t show the full scale. Much of the violence is because Spice and fentanyl are so rife in the city.”

Spice is a highly addictive drug with powerful mind-altering effects sold as “synthetic cannabis”.

Side effects can include anxiety, suicidal thoughts and violent behaviour.

According to Mr Deans, enough Spice to keep someone intoxicated for a whole day only costs £5 and can be easily purchased online.

Fentanyl can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. It is used legally to treat cancer pain but is also produced on the black market and used as a recreational drug.

Seventy five people died after taking fentanyl in England and Wales in 2017, up 29 per cent on the previous year.

Mr Deans’ warning comes after homeless Andrew O’Connell, 54, who had been sleeping rough in Pavilion Gardens, was found with serious head injuries on Tuesday night. He later died in hospital.

Another homeless man, 32-year-old Sergio Lemori, has been charged with his murder.

Earlier that evening, two witnesses saw a fight between five rough sleepers in New Road after a man fell out of a wheelchair.

Mr Deans said: “Fights are happening every night in Brighton. It’s just too dangerous. A new round of drugs are making people aggressive and bonkers.

“The council needs to do something and stop blaming cuts for everything.

“They [rough sleepers] are terrified as it’s so dangerous for them at night now. They are getting into gangs just to protect themselves.”

Earlier this year, Government figures revealed another sharp increase in rough sleeping in Brighton and Hove.

The number living on the street last autumn were up almost a quarter on the previous year, with 178 without a roof over their heads – making the city the worst place outside London for rough sleeping for the second year running.

Mr Deans said: “The council must start prioritising the city’s homeless.

“It seems to be their policy to dump services on charities who work 24/7 and this needs to change.”

Helping homeless high on council agenda

TACKLING rough sleeping is a priority, according to the city council.

It said in a statement: “People who end up sleeping rough often have complex needs and have had to deal with very difficult circumstances in their lives.

“Our focus isn’t just on helping people off the streets – it’s also on making sure they get the services they need to sustain their lives off the streets and not relapse into rough sleeping.

“Around half the city’s rough sleepers are not from Brighton and Hove. We also help these people reconnect with the areas they have come from so that they can get the accommodation and services they need.”

The council said it worked with other organisations and charities support rough sleepers.

“Through partnership we can make a real and caring difference to those in need.

“At the same time, there is a national housing crisis and this is being reflected locally. In response, the council’s street outreach service offers help to all those sleeping on our streets in the city.

“Supporting people away from a life on the streets is our main aim. We also work hard to prevent people becoming homeless in the first place.

“We’re seeing more vulnerable people sleeping rough on our streets at a time when funding is being dramatically reduced, which is having an impact on services.

“We are determined to help those in need and we are making sure the funds available are invested in the best way possible.”