Mortgage arrears 'on the rise'

The High Court has received almost 1,000 writs for mortgage defaults

There has been a sharp rise in the number of people in Northern Ireland unable to pay their mortgage.

A total of 929 writs and summonses were issued between April and June this year, according to the court service.

This was a rise of 59% from the same period last year, when 584 mortgage cases were received by the High Court.

The figures cover both domestic and commercial properties. The court service said not all cases led to eviction or repossession.

A total of 323 court orders have been made for repossession between April and June this year.

The chairman of the Council of Mortgage Lenders in Northern Ireland, Trevor James, told BBC News that banks and building societies repossessed "absolutely as a last resort".

"If you are experiencing difficulties, the advice would be to contact your lender at the earliest opportunity," he said.

The writs included those from credit organisations who had offered homeowners loans or remortgaging deals.

Mr James said if a homeowner defaulted on the repayments, those companies took action quickly.