Local residents successfully stopped bailiffs and police from evicting a pregnant woman and her young child in north London yesterday.

Over 40 people blocked a building's entrance as Westminster City Council tried to evict a single mother from Queen's Park for the third time this Friday.

The woman - who preferred not to be named - has lived in the house for over five years, having previously worked there as a carer.

"This is social cleansing," said housing activist Jon Glackin, "but people can stand up to these evictions."

He was one of the many locals linking arms outside the front door of the house for several hours until the police, bailiffs and other unidentified council staff left the premises.

During the stand-off protesters held a rally against the poor availability of social housing in the area.

A large banner reading "Homes Not Jails" was held across the front of the building, separating demonstrators and police.

Mr Glackin was positive about the success of the day's actions but did warn: "They might come back."

It was reported that the council is seeking to evict the pregnant woman and her school-aged child because the tenancy is in the name of the elderly person she once took care of.

It is understood that after her client's passing the woman stayed in the property paying the rent and bills.

She was offered new accommodation outside London but had no option but to decline as her support networks are all located within the capital.

The news broke only a couple of weeks after the Star reported on a protest staged by 29 young homeless mothers outside City Hall.

The women - aged up to 25 - are being faced with eviction from a hostel in Stratford and have not been offered London-based rehousing.

Back in Queen's Park a 62 year-old woman who has lived in the area for the last 31 years is also being threatened with eviction.

Westminster Housing Action has promised to keep fighting against all local displacements and for the right to affordable local homes for all.