A stink has been caused in a town hall headquarters after excrement was found in an office used by opposition councillors.
Conservative members on Brighton and Hove City Council reacted with disgust after stumbling on the mess in their room.
An investigation has been launched as officials try to get to the bottom of who is responsible for the foul play in Kings House, Hove.
While some have reacted in horror, others have claimed it highlights a serious security breach at the seafront building.
Penny Thompson, the council’s chief executive, said: “This was an extremely unpleasant incident and we carried out an immediate investigation.
“As a result, we have ruled out a number of possibilities and are fitting a lock to the members’ room door.”
The excrement was found on the floor of the unlocked second floor office on Thursday (February 21) and reported immediately.
It is not clear if it was from a human or animal.
Swipe cards
Only people with a swipe card or official visitors who have to sign in at the front desk can access that part of the building.
Former city council leader Mary Mears said: “There are two issues here – the incident itself and the underlying more serious issue that people could be targeted.
“I think there’s a whole issue around security as, in this case, people are clearly vulnerable.”
Conservative councillor Dawn Barnett said: “We understand that there’s always a few digs from other parties and opponents but to do this is disgusting.”
One town hall source said: “Some people are talking about foul play. I don’t think it was an accident.”
Microwave incident
Another said: “It’s surprising the Tories have not tried to move an amendment in their budget plans to invest in a dog catcher.”
It comes six months after human excrement was found heated in a microwave in the council’s Hollingdean depot.
The soiled machine in a communal kitchen was cleaned and sealed with airtight yellow and black tape more commonly associated with hazardous incidents.
With staff referring to it as “Workforce Update 28”, it was eventually removed with the culprit not caught.
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