Refugees are knocking on doors begging in Mid Sussex.

Police say they have received dozens of complaints about the beggars and their aggressive manner if they are refused money.

There have been calls from worried residents in Burgess Hill and Haywards Heath.

Sgt Jan Lavis, of Burgess Hill police said: "We have had any number of refugees knocking on doors begging for money in all areas.

"We think they come up from Brighton, and as far as we are aware they are asylum seekers.

Aggressive

"They have been aggressive when they have been refused money. Obviously if they get really aggressive we can always consider arrest under public order offences."

Police are puzzled about the problem as if the beggars are genuine asylum seekers they are supposed to be given funding.

Officers say they are powerless to act as begging is only an offence in a public place and asking for money on someone's doorstep is not classified as a public place.

However, they have warned they will prosecute if they find people using their children when they appeal for cash.

Sgt Lavis explained: "Begging is an offence, but only in a public place. Under the law the front door is not a public place, which is the problem for us. They are not actually committing an offence"

When called to sort out confrontations police have asked the beggars to move away.

Sgt Lavis said: "They generally do move on. But only to somewhere else, which does not solve the problem.

"Our advice to people would be not to give any money.

"Obviously we do have sympathy for them for their situation. We would like to resolve this problem, but it is difficult."

About 10,000 asylum seekers are expected to be processed through immigration at Gatwick Airport between this month and March.

They are registered, then found temporary rooms, and have to report later to immigration officials deciding their future.

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