A YOUNG family living in the New Forest could be homeless this Christmas because of an argument between two councils.

The family, who cannot be named for security reasons, were forced to flee their home county of Devon after they suffered an horrific attack, as a result of which two men were jailed.

Their attackers were released from prison in September and police considered it would not be safe for the family to remain in Devon because of threats from the attackers. The couple and their three children, aged 9, 8 and 2, were given bed-and-breakfast accommodation in Lymington, paid for by Teignbridge District Council.

However, Teignbridge has said it will no longer pay for the accommodation, while New Forest District Council says it has no duty to re-house the family.

The couple's nightmare began in May, when two men forced their way into their home brandishing a pickaxe and assaulted them in front of the children, leaving the family traumatised.

The attack was thought to be a reprisal after the attackers had been barred from a local pub, owned by the father of one of the victims. As a result, two men were jailed.

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary then advised the family to flee from the area. It was felt that if they were to remain living in Devon there was a high risk that they would be subjected to further intimidation and possibly further violence. The couple moved to the New Forest, where they are in temporary accommodation.

But now Teignbridge says it has 'discharged its duty' to continue paying for their accommodation. New Forest District Council says it was not prepared to accept Teignbridge's referral as the couple had no local connections and there is a shortage of accommodation in the area.

Teignbridge has now agreed to extend payment for another week, though the family still faces an uncertain future.

The children's mother said: "The situation is terrible. We've applied for private rented accommodation, only to be turned down because we would need housing benefit.

"We've applied for a council property but have been refused, although we could afford the rent.

"I'm terrified my children will end up in care."