The landlord of the Friday Bridge house where up to 20 people have been living said he was unaware the property had become overcrowded.

Andrew Johnson turned up at the house while Operation Pheasant was carrying out an inspection of the premises.

Following a discussion with police and council officers, he issued one week leaving notices to the migrants inside the house.

He said: “I only get house rates, not per capita.

“It’s been explained to me by the police that gangmasters have been making lots of money, not me.

“For three houses I get £2,500 and I have to pay all the gas, electricity and council tax bills.

“There was not 20 people in there at the start. I was not aware that the numbers had crept up.”