People living in a city centre square have spoken out over squatting after a woman was sexually assaulted.

Residents of Brunswick Square, Hove, say they have repeatedly complained about homeless people camping in the gardens in the centre of the square.

Two men were arrested early yesterday morning on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 32-year-old woman near a tent in the square.

Police cordoned off a section of the gardens known as the copse yesterday as they investigated the crime.

The three people are said to know each other.

Residents say they are worried homeless people will be targets for violence, bring litter, drug abuse and antisocial behaviour to the area, and put off visitors.

James Arnell, chairman of the Friends of Brunswick Square and Terrace, said there has been at least one tent in the square for several weeks.

He said: “We have seen incidents in which people have been victims of attacks, perhaps by drunken thugs looking for some sport on their way home.

“The presence of heavy drinkers, drug users and rough sleepers brings significant problems for other users of the city's parks like needles, human excrement, abusive and threatening behaviour.

“All this creates the risk of parks becoming off limits for other users and particularly for children.”

Mike Weatherley, Conservative MP for Hove, said: “Whether a crime has been committed or not, you can’t just pitch your tent where you fancy it.”

Councillor Ben Duncan, Brighton and Hove City Council cabinet member for communities, said: “We have a high-rated homelessness team that supports the homeless and clear policies on addressing antisocial behaviour.

“Parks and other green spaces in the city are vital for the well-being of everyone so we will make use of the discretionary powers that we hold to ensure these open spaces are not lost because of anyone camping or any other activity that impacts upon people’s enjoyment of our parks.”

Two men, aged 31 and 38, were being questioned in custody last night.

Detective Sergeant Stephen French said: "I am keen to talk to anyone who may have seen people near the tent in Brunswick Square between midnight and 3.30am.”