A council has launched an investigation after five Victorian Brighton seafront bollards went up for sale on social media. 

Brighton and Hove City Council said it was "attempting to contact the person involved" after a post went live on Facebook two days ago. 

The listing includes a photograph of the bollards and says they are "original cast iron from Brighton seafront."

They are on sale for £250 each.

The council said it is possible that the bollards are not "genuine" following a similar mistaken case last year. 

"But given the style and paint colour they certainly might be," a council spokesman said. 

The sale of seafront ironwork has been the subject of controversy in recent years after two Brighton seafront lanterns were listed for sale on Facebook in 2020. 

The lights had been removed after they were found to pose a safety risk and the contractor Colas had been instructed to try to preserve the original materials.

However, just days later an advert appeared online selling two “Brighton and Hove retro Victorian lights” for £575.

In relation to the bollards, the council spokesman said: "We do not sell or dispose of architectural or iconic infrastructure to the public. 

“We are investigating the social media posting and attempting to contact the person involved. 

“We will take appropriate action to retrieve the bollards if they are or were council property. We will not hesitate to involve the police if necessary.