A property firm in Bristol has shut, potentially leaving dozens of tenants and landlords out of pocket.

Tenants believed Belluton Property Bureau on the Wells Road in Knowle was part of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

But since the office closed last month, tenants suspect this may not be the case and they will not get their money back.

Some tenants are thought to be owed up to £2,500 in deposits and rent that they handed over to staff at Belluton in good faith.

And some landlords are also owed thousands of pounds each for rent that Belluton collected as letting agents.

It is believed that Belluton has more than 100 properties across Bristol on its books, potentially putting many thousands of pounds are at risk.

Allen Fairclough, 60, of Quarry Lane, Winterbourne, is owed £410 by Belluton for a deposit he paid on a studio flat in West Street, St Phillip's.

He claims staff at Belluton told him the deposit was covered by the TDS.

He has admitted that he took the firm on its word and never actually saw a certificate or written documentation.

Mr Fairclough said: "I very much doubt that I will get my money back.

"I don't think they set this business up to scam people.

"I just think they have decided to leave now before things get any worse."

Belluton manager Steve Masters has not been seen for several weeks.

The business phone number no longer works and his mobile phone has also been disconnected.

Belluton's offices on 190 Wells Road are currently covered in scaffolding and the letter box to the side of the front door has been forced open.

A worker for the scaffolding company, who did not want to be named, said that a significant number of people have been calling at the premises asking for Mr Masters.

He said: "Lots of people have been coming to see if they can get their money back.

"We tell them that we don't know where the owner of the business has gone.

"It's actually quite surprising how many people have come here.

"One man said that he was owed five months' rent.

"I think it's disgusting."

A landlord from Hengrove who used Belluton as a letting agent said: "They owe me £1,000 and they owe my tenant £2,500.

"I have been going down there every day trying to catch somebody.

"People in Bristol need to be aware of this.

"Masters has got all our keys and everything. I think it's absolutely disgraceful."

Staff from the two shops either side of Belluton, Treats Hair & Beauty and Jack & Jill toy shop said they have been asked by several people if they know the whereabouts of Mr Masters.

Bristol Trading Standards spokesman Peter Wood said: "We can confirm we have received a number of complaints relating to Belluton Property Bureau and we are carrying out a joint investigation into the matter with Avon and Somerset Police."