Security has been stepped up at a rail depot to combat graffiti vandals who have attacked property and a set of brand new trains.

Train operator South Central says security guards are now patrolling Lovers Walk depot, off Preston Road, Brighton, at night.

The company reassured the public it is working to tackle the problem after a resident whose home overlooks the depot said he often saw the vandals at work.

Richard Gallacher, of Millers Road, said: "The area where the trains are parked is easily accessible. Anybody can manage a fairly small fence and steps leading to the track.

"It is not just mindless vandalism, it is a fairly high standard. I believe the trains should be moved to a less accessible area."

Last month, South Central offered a £500 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of vandals and promised it was stepping up security.

Security guards are now on site from 6pm to 6am and CCTV cameras are in place.

Spokesman Marsid Greenidge said: "We have not had any more incidents of graffiti since, so we have got to count that as a success."

Sergeant Jack Ioannou said British Transport Police had insufficient resources to patrol the railways for such crimes.