Medway's troubled housing department was “like a war zone” last year as managers clashed and staff refused to do their jobs and repeatedly claimed racial discrimination.

“It was like a war zone. I couldn’t see any way out,” said a former assistant director in charge of the department.

Geoff Ettridge was giving evidence to an employment tribunal in Ashford against a former homelessness manager, Ray O’Shea, who says he was unfairly sacked.

The tribunal heard allegations that staff had refused to produce work for Mr O’Shea and that he failed to meet deadlines for the Government and councillors.

Mr Ettridge told the hearing that junior staff claimed they were intimidated, bullied, racially discriminated against and harassed by Mr O’Shea.

Mr O’Shea, who lives in Rainham, claims his dismissal was sexual discrimination and unfair.

The case continues.