The hunt is on for a rogue landlord and/or letting agent who rented out a three-bed semi to 26 men.

The property was so crowded that in a raid early yesterday morning, police and council officials found it almost impossible to access any of the rooms.

Every room, except the gangway kitchen and the bathroom, contained bed spaces, including the tiny, windowless, illegally converted loft space.

Officers found more than 20 men in situ, with 26 bed spaces. They were said to be living in appalling and unsafe living conditions for which they were paying between £30 and £50 a week. The illegal HMO also contained faulty smoke alarms, poor ventilation, insanitary conditions and fire hazards.

The London borough of Brent said an investigation is now under way to track down the rogue landlord or agent renting out the property.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, cabinet member for housing and welfare reform, said that Brent has a zero tolerance policy to those who allow tenants to live in slum conditions.