Letting agents in Blackpool featured on mainstream BBC News last night, in an item about dangerous private rented properties.

The landlord, a Mr Harwood, was said to have already had one conviction when the programme covered the story of a family living in dangerous conditions.

The landlord was described as having ignored an enforcement order, banning the letting out of the property which looked to have serious fire risks.

Harwood was said to have 13 rental properties across Blackpool, and to boast that he was a millionaire, living in London and with a second home.

The agent said to have collected the rent did not want to be identified on the programme. Another agent, John Bartram, who was interviewed on BBC News, said he had not known of Harwood’s track record.

The family shown in the BBC report have been moved out, due to what the council described as “imminent risk”.

The BBC traced the landlord, who declined to say anything. Blackpool Council say they will prosecute.