More than 17 people were discovered to be living in a three-bedroom house during a crackdown on dodgy landlords.

Harrow Council’s enforcement officers made the “grim discovery” in Edgware last month, after discovering it was being let without a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) licence.

Officers found 17 people living in the three-bedroom home, who were all sharing one toilet and bathroom.

However, it is believed that up to 40 people could have been living in the property before the raid.

The homeowner lives abroad and the property is managed by a letting agent who the council have had previous issues with after finding they were letting other overcrowded properties.

The agent could face now prosecution following the raid, particularly as housing officers could barely see the floor as it was covered with mattresses.

Cllr Graham Henson, cabinet member for environment, crime and community safety said: “It’s troubling to see yet another case of overcrowding in Harrow.

“It’s not safe, it’s not sanitary and it exploits people who deserve somewhere decent to live, just like everyone else. Our licensing scheme is there to ensure incidents like this don’t happen.

“While the majority of landlords and agents operate properly and safety, there are a few who think they can flout the rules.

“We are not afraid to take action – if we suspect foul play or wrongdoing we will carry out raids and will seek to prosecute.”