More bin lorries have been sabotaged at an under-fire collection depot, a council has claimed.

Cityclean staff at the Hollingdean bin depot in Brighton were previously told that vehicles had been sabotaged by people cutting wires on the trucks to stop them working.

Now bosses at Brighton and Hove City Council have told workers that more lorries have been tampered with. The council is investigating the behaviour, having slammed it as “unlawful and scandalous”.

In a letter sent to staff on Monday, Melissa Francis, head of operations at the council, said: “There have been further instances of vehicle sabotage that we are currently investigating.

“I know you will be concerned due to the impact it has on your work because this reduces the number of vehicles we have.

“We are taking this seriously, we have notified the police and we are investigating. Sabotage is gross misconduct and if proven will result in dismissal.”

Brighton and Hove City Council previously said that two Cityclean lorries were tampered with to stop them working.

The council added that defects increased dramatically since an independent report uncovered a “toxic” culture at the Hollingdean depot.

The Argus: Wire were previously cut on bin lorries at the Hollingdean depotWire were previously cut on bin lorries at the Hollingdean depot (Image: BHCC)

More than 70 witnesses came forward for the barrister's report which described the depot as “like animal farm” with racism, sexism and threats of violence.

A gay member of staff was reportedly “catfished” by co-workers and managers were referred to as “c***s, w*****s, a f*****g b***h pulling the strings”.

Previously, council leader Bella Sankey said: "We know the vast majority of Cityclean staff are extremely hard working and want to do an excellent job for our residents and the city.

"However, the sabotage and resulting disruption of recent weeks shows there are a small minority who are disrupting our waste and recycling service. Under my leadership, we will not be held to ransom by these people.

“The cutting of lorry wires is unlawful and scandalous and is extremely dangerous to our staff.

“It's also criminal activity which has been reported and is being investigated by Sussex Police."