A mum-of-two was asked to leave emergency accommodation after spending two nights away to be with family after her dad was diagnosed with cancer.

Cherrie Dinnen, 28, was evicted from her room at a hostel in Queen Street, Romford, last week despite telling them why she would be away.

“We have been treated very unfairly,” she said.

“I went to stay with my mum after my dad was diagnosed with stage four cancer to support her and it was hard for me as well. We came back to find my room had been cleared out.”

Miss Dinnen’s belongings were put in storage and she was turned away with her two children, aged seven and two, in tow.

They slept in a car for two nights and have spent the last few days staying on sofas as the children cannot spend time with her father while he has his radiotherapy treatment.

Miss Dinnen said: “When I was first thrown out I went to the council and they said they couldn’t do anything for us.”

She claims she was told “if the worst comes to worst then you could go to the police station because at least you will be warm.”

A spokeswoman for Havering council said Miss Dinnen was asked to leave as they had evidence the room was not being used over a period of time.

She added: “Emergency accommodation is just that and we have very limited supply.

Cllr Damian White, the cabinet member for housing and deputy leader of Havering Council, said: “We are sorry to hear that Miss Dinnen’s father has been unwell but were unaware this had kept her away from the hostel.

“We have asked her to come and see us again so that we can put in place the support she needs.”