Squatters occupy Park Lane houses

Squatters are occupying two houses in London's Park Lane. The seven-storey properties are worth up to an estimated £30m and are said to be owned by the Duke of Westminster.

The 20 squatters said they gained access to the houses in London through an open basement door, according to The Sun. The two properties are said to be close to Madonna 's Park Lane home.

The squatters in the Mayfair residences enjoy impressive views over Hyde Park and moved into the houses two months ago. One of the occupants, a 27 year old male from Cape Town , told the paper: "The view at sunset over Hyde Park is just magic - especially from the penthouse . I really love it here."

Before they moved in, the properties were empty, claim the squatters. "There's quite a large squatters' community in London and we always pass on information. We'd noticed these houses had been empty for about two years. We got in through an open basement door," he added.

Public opinion of the squatters is negative. A local estate agent told the paper: "It's a real waste. Each of these properties is worth £12m to £15m, even in a state of disrepair."

Meanwhile, a member of the Westminster Homeowners' Association said: "I'm very upset. We don't want this sort of thing blighting such a beautiful part of London."

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