Desperate urban foxes are killing family pets to survive because new bins are starving them of scraps.

Since wheelie bins were introduced in Worthing residents have noticed the animals killing chickens, rabbits and cats in their hunt for food.

Nicole Newnham, 30, joint manager at Northdale veterinary practice in Victoria Road, said she rarely got to see pets who had been injured by foxes because the foxes often ended up killing them.

However, she experienced the problem first-hand when a fox killed her three baby rabbits at her home in Park Field Road, Tarring.

Laura Brook, a conservation officer with Sussex Wildlife Trust, said fox attacks were rare.

There has been an increase in the number of foxes in urban areas since the First World War when our lifestyles started to change.

For information about deterring foxes from your garden call Sussex Wildlife Trust on 01273 494777.