TWO men have been arrested by police investigating concerns that a house in Hove was being "cuckooed".

Officers attended Sackville Road on January 12 after a smell of drugs was reported coming from the address.

Cuckooing is when individuals use the home of a person - who is often vulnerable - in order to establish a base for drug dealing.

According to Sussex Police, it is sometimes carried out as part of a county lines operation.

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Two men - aged 17 and 20 from Surrey and London respectively - attempted to run from the house but were detained by officers.

They were found to be in possession of cash and eight mobile phones.

The two men were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and have been bailed subject to "strict" conditions while enquiries are ongoing.

Safeguarding measures have been put in place to protect the victim and regular checks are being made to ensure their welfare.

Police Sergeant James Ward, from Brighton and Hove Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: "Our teams work hard to disrupt those we suspect of dealing dangerous drugs across our communities and protect vulnerable people who are at risk of exploitation.

"We would urge anyone with information or concerns about drug dealing in their area or that you have concerns over anyone that appears to be exploited to make the right call and report it to us online or by calling 101."