Squatters occupying £10m property

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A group of squatters are occupying a £10m property in an exclusive neighbourhood in north-west London.

The nine-bedroom detached house, which has a swimming pool and a large garden, is in Hampstead Garden Suburb.

Local residents say a total of 16 squatters moved into the property, which has been empty for years.

A developer has planned to demolish the property and build two houses at the site but the proposal is being blocked by the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust.

'Like a dream'

Jane Blackburn, of the trust, said: "The developer is trying to take the trust to the Lands Tribunal at the moment and we welcome that as we think our case is very strong and we would like to see the matter resolved."

Until a solution is found, Katalin Ursachi, a gardener from Romania, and some of his friends are living there rent-free.

"Its like a dream... this is the most amazing squat I ever lived in, I have ever seen in my life," he said.

Jonny Sokoli, another squatter, said: "Nice to find myself in the middle of millionaires, it's a big space and has a swimming pool, which is going to be cleaned up soon.

The owners could not be contacted for comment.