A 22-year-old has been left without clothes, important documents and all of her treasured possessions after her council home was cleared before her tenancy had ended.

Leah Hulme had been living in a Berneslai Homes property on Cherrys Road, Cundy Cross, for about 18 months.

Earlier this month neighbours reported her home to the police after noticing that the front door had been left open.

Leah was at a relative’s house at the time, she was informed that her locks would be changed by Berneslai Homes but instructed that the new keys be passed to a neighbour.

Leah says the keys were taken to the council’s office and the property marked as void. When she spoke to Berneslai Homes, she agreed to terminate the tenancy with a month’s notice, which would give her until July 3 to empty the property herself.

Leah said: "I knew something was wrong when I pulled up days later - the curtains had gone out of the bedroom.

"Everything has gone - my passport, baby pictures, clothes, shoes, furniture. Absolutely everything."

Important documents, including Leah’s birth certificate and personal letters were also removed. She said it would cost at least £6,000 to replace everything.

Leah’s mum Edith Ellis, 53, of Trueman Terrace, Lundwood, said: “The bed was made and all her furniture was in there. She has got no proof of who she is now, they have destroyed everything.”

Leah is now living with her aunty.

When asked why the property was cleared before the tenancy was due to end, a Berneslai Homes spokesman said: "Given that the tenant has indicated that they intend to take legal proceedings in this matter, we feel it would be inappropriate to comment any further."