More than 700 homes in Brighton and Hove are at risk of being repossessed with their residents facing eviction, new figures reveal.

The analysis of government statistics, carried out by charity Shelter, revealed one in 168 homes in the city are at risk.

The figures are even more worrying for residents in Hastings and Crawley with one in 88 and one in 122 at risk in the towns respectively.

Eastbourne and Worthing residents are also more at risk with one in 135 and one in 142.

The average for Sussex is 178.

The figures are based on data recorded by the Ministry of Justice.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of the housing charity Shelter, told The Argus the charity desperately needed more help to ensure nobody was left to fight homelessness on their own this Christmas.

People taking on rents or mortgages they cannot afford and not having savings are being seen as factors in the crisis over repossessions.

Mr Robb said illnesses or other sudden changes can tip a family into a downward spiral towards losing their home.

He said: “Imagine the panic of receiving a notice through the door saying that you could lose your home.

“That’s the devastating reality for thousands of people every week.

“Our advisers will work non-stop this Christmas to support families who find themselves battling to keep their home but our services are over-stretched and we’re struggling to meet the demand.”

Andy Winter, chief executive of the Brighton Housing Trust, said many households are “hanging on by their fingertips”.

He said: “An interest rate increase would be the tipping point for them.

“We are working increasingly with people who never thought that they would need the help of a homelessness charity.

“We meet people in county court who are at imminent risk of losing their home.

“In most cases we are able to achieve a positive outcome for them, and we can help them to stay in their home. “My advice is to get advice and to get it as early as possible.”

“The answer to this challenge is twofold: make sure there are the advice services available to prevent homelessness, and for those who are homeless, build homes for rent, and ensure that the rent is genuinely affordable.”

For more details and to help either of the charities visit shelter.org.uk and bht.org.uk.