Brighton beach 'ruined by tents, drugs and fist fighting'

Anti-social behaviour has been reported near Western Street by beachgoers.

Witnesses have claimed people have been seen injecting drugs in broad daylight, defecating on a beach groyne and fist fighting next to families and children.

One beachgoer, who did not wish to be named, said: “I’ve been going to that spot for over ten years and now it's ruined.

Tents pitched on Brighton Beach (Image: Supplied)

She said people are "defecating up the wall and there are at least 20 different men coming and going.

“One woman told me that she saw a girl who had her trousers down and was injecting into her groin before 5pm.

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“They are so brazen and showing such disrespect. It's coming to the point where I’m not going to be able to go down at all.”

She said that she had originally used the beach with friends as a meeting place and to meditate after work but that this had been “ruined”.

She added police have been contacted about the issue.

Tents on the beach (Image: Supplied)

Tents have also been pitched on the pebbles in the area. The beachgoer said that she had seen one tent for around four weeks while others had appeared in recent days, creating a "tent city".

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "We are aware of an unauthorised encampment on the seafront in Hove and are working closely with partner agencies to resolve the situation.

"This includes engaging with those present at the site and the wider community, and ensuring vulnerable people are offered the support they need.

"Criminality, including the sale or use of illegal drugs, will not be tolerated in Brighton and Hove and we conduct regular patrols in the area to identify and deter any behaviour of this nature. Where criminal activity is identified, proportionate action will be taken."

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: “We are working closely with the police to clear the site of tents as soon as is possible within our legal powers.

“Once the site has been cleared we will arrange a full clean-up.

“Anyone with concerns about possible drug use should contact the police on 101.”