In pictures: Life in a squat

"Squatters tend to be artists, activists, students and unfortunately also people who are homeless and have drug or mental health problems," says Jan.

"We decide who comes, it is not an open squat – people don’t just knock on the door, no way."

The flats have no heating and are in a state of disrepair.

The council plans to refurbish them in a few years, they have discovered, but they estimate most of the building has been left empty by the authorities for a decade.