Man who climbed the roof of his house gets evicted two months later

Mark Wilson made headlines when he spent over six hours sitting on top of his home in Carpathia Close, West End.

He was protesting against bailiffs – acting on a court order - who turned up to evict him earlier this year due to unpaid rent. 

Mark Wilson on the roof of his house on Carpathia Close, West End (Image: Newsquest)

However, Mark and his partner, Michael Rooke, claim the landlord, Hyde Housing Association, failed to act on complaints they had made over the past four years, and that they had paid their rent. 

But on Tuesday morning, around 12 enforcement officers ousted Mark, 41, and Michael, 59, from their semi-detached home.

READ MORE: 'My partner is on that roof and he won’t come down'

Speaking to the Echo, Mark said: “We were in bed when the enforcement officers came, [others came through the door whilst] some put a ladder up and went through the roof.

“We woke up and heard the glass break when they came through the door.”

“They came running up the stairs and started kicking the door open, they were very aggressive and made us leave the house."

He added: "To say we felt violated is an understatement."

Michael Rooke, 59 (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: 'We just want to be heard': Man climbs roof AGAIN in eviction row

Michael said they didn't pack many clothes and had to ask neighbours to look after their pets - two dogs, a snake and some birds.

He said: “I grabbed my medication and we had to give our dogs and animals to our neighbour so that she can look after them.

The two are now staying in a bed and breakfast in Eastleigh while they look to find a new home.

In response, a Hyde spokesperson said: “We took this action as a last resort, in the best interests of the community and with the approval of the courts.

“As we’ve explained previously, we’re a social landlord and always put customers’ well-being at the heart of everything we do. However, we also have a duty of care to neighbours, the local community and the general public.

“We successfully completed the planned eviction on Tuesday morning. We sincerely appreciate the support of the police, the High Court Sheriffs and the other representatives, who acted with professionalism and compassion in difficult circumstances.

“The residents were given time to pack some belongings but chose not to. Their possessions are secure and we’ll arrange collection with them.”