Tramp handed £2m plot of land

A tramp has become the legal owner of a prime piece of land on Hampstead Heath in north London which he has lived on for more than 20 years.

Harry Hallowes, 70, was handed the title deeds to the secluded woodland spot, thought to be worth £2m, after developers threatened to evict him.

Mr Hallowes made a successful claim under what is called squatters' rights, a Land Registry spokeswoman said.

He occupies a 12ft by 8ft shack which stands in a 90ft by 90ft garden.