Police are appealing for help from the public to identify squatters who took over a man’s home while he was in hospital.

Earlier this week, Michael Casbolt, of Tavistock Avenue in Walthamstow, criticised the authorities for failing to act.

Mr Casbolt spent five weeks in hospital after falling and breaking his hip.

While in Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, he learned that his home had been taken over by squatters, who had changed the locks.

Mr Casbolt called the police, but claimed they failed to act.

He said he was forced to leave hospital and cut short his treatment to hire a locksmith to gain entry to his house, where he found his home empty, ransacked and items stolen.

The 56-year-old was then left without care and relied upon a man he met in hospital to get food and empty his commode for a week.

Police are now appealing for help to catch the people who broke into Mr Casbolt's home.

A spokesman said: “Police attended the property on November 15.

“They observed that the locks looked new but could see no evidence of forced entry or anyone in the address.

"Police officers spoke with neighbours who mentioned that they had seen a couple, believed to be Eastern European, coming and going from the property.”

Detective Constable Wilmer from Waltham Forest police said: “This is a horrible crime that has taken place when the owner of the property was at their most vulnerable.

“We would ask that anyone who has any information in relation to this incident call Waltham Forest CID on 02083453089 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111.”