An investigation has been launched into claims a multiple sclerosis sufferer was left lying in soiled sheets in his home.

Cliff Gettings, 68, from Durrington, is bed bound and in the care of West Sussex social services.

When his friends Lynne Mansfield and Teresa Langford, also from Durrington, visited his home they said they were appalled at the state of it.

They said a pork chop from a mouldy packet had been left to burn in a slow cooker and soiled sheets were left in the shower and on the sofa in the living room.

Mr Gettings is unable to talk and communicates through typing on a computer.

He painstakingly dictated what he wanted to tell the Argus: "I am now laying in soiled and urinated bedding which has been like this for four days.

"My bungalow stinks. I vomited the other day and it is still on the carpet. They haven't cleaned it up properly.

"My urine bottles are disgusting and need disinfecting daily. I constantly have urine infections probably due to this.

"I can't talk or use the phone, I'm bedridden but I'm not stupid. I'm so grateful my friends came in and found me. Have the people (Home Care) got a conscience?

"I wonder if they would put up with being treated like this? I've been disabled for ten years and have always been well looked after until Home Care. If this is caring, God help us."

Mr Gettings needs to be washed, dressed, fed, given his drink and medication and talked with during the day.

Until three weeks ago, he was under the care of the Independent Living charity who paid Mrs Mansfield to look after him, with the support of social services.

Three weeks ago, after she discovered she had heart problems, he changed back to Home Care, run by West Sussex social services who went in twice and sometimes three times a day.

Mrs Mansfield said: "We just couldn't believe it. I am so frustrated and absolutely furious. If this is what care is, who else is it going to happen to? Is this how they would treat their own family?

"I feel physically sick. I can't believe someone can be left like this."

Mrs Langford, who has known Mr Gettings for ten years, said: "I am very, very angry and very upset to find him in such a condition. He would have been served that bad pork chop.

"Nobody gave him a bed bath -look at the sheets. I want an inquiry into it, not just for Cliff but for the other people who are left like this. Someone's got to take notice."

A social services spokesman said an investigation was taking place. He added: "We will be working very closely with Mr Gettings to discuss his home care treatment and will be going to see him."