Members of housing rights group CATU occupied the floor inside Housing Executive headquarters on Adelaide Street in Belfast city centre on Thursday afternoon.

The sit-in protested the eviction of Caitríona McCrudden, her daughter Lisa and three-year-old son Cillian from their bungalow on Clovelly Street off the Springfield Road in West Belfast.

The family lost tenancy rights after Caitríona's mother died in September 2022. Caitríona had applied to succeed the tenancy as her mother's sole carer.

Housing Executive policy allows succession by a spouse, civil partner or cohabiting family member present for over 12 months. Officials ruled the family did not qualify and obtained a court order.

Housing Executive staff enforced the eviction last week with PSNI support. The family now stays with relatives.

CATU members displayed a banner outside reading 'Homeless Executive'. Annie Nichol of CATU called the eviction a choice by the public body that holds a duty to prevent homelessness.

Nichol stated the Housing Executive failed the family despite their efforts to submit evidence and pursue complaints. She demanded suitable alternative accommodation and a meeting with officials.

CATU members remained inside until officials agree to schedule discussions.