A woman has hit out at leisure centre security after she had £290 stolen.

Mercy O'Neill, 28, had cash taken from a locker at the Prince Regent swimming complex in Church Street, Brighton.

Thieves got hold of her locker key when the armband she was wearing slipped off in the pool.

She said: "It fastened on a buckle but it was not secure as it did not have a loop to tuck the strap into.

"I was swimming with my daughter and didn't notice it come off in the water. Somebody picked up the armband and stole the money.

"I would not normally have so much cash but it was left from buying flooring."

Mrs O'Neill, of Warbleton Close, Brighton, reported the incident to staff and police.

The complex is owned by Brighton and Hove City Council but is run by the Ecovert Group.

Mrs O'Neill received a letter from the company saying it could not accept responsibility for the incident.

She said: "It is their responsibility and I should get my money back as they should have given me a proper armband.

"The same thing could happen to somebody else.

"Theft is happening to too many people and the company is not doing anything."

Ecovert senior contract manager Martin Burholt did not wish to comment.

Last month, Sandrine Case, from Brighton, had her clothes and handbag stolen from the Prince Regent after thieves kicked through the base of a locker.

Ecovert sent a letter saying the company could not accept any responsibility.