Thousands of Roma from Bulgaria and Romania have sought sanctuary in Spain, Spanish social services said.

Aiming to escape poverty, the people have chosen large cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Seville, Spanish information agency EFE said.

They settle in deserted buildings or form camps on the outskirts of the cities. Some of the people live in the streets.

EFE quoted a Bulgarian of Roma origin as saying that life was difficult, because the emigrants lacked a home and work.

Up to now, the Bulgarian and Romanian Roma emigrants had been unaffected by the law, regardless of daily police patrolling, EFE said.