A man who spent thousands of pounds on a new living space for his disabled son has been told to tear it down.

Fred Murdoch, 62, of Warley Road, Hayes, has been fighting to give his son Dean an acceptable standard of living after he was injured and left unable to walk.

Two years ago, Mr Murdoch drew up plans to convert his garage into a bedroom because his son's back injuries prevent him from walking upstairs, and asked Hillingdon Council's help to do it correctly.

He paid for a public notice, got quotes from surveyors, then tore down part of the house and built the adapted room with fire doors, spending £7,500 in the process.

He then had a visit from a council officer who pointed out the extension backs on to a small piece of land which Mr Murdoch does not own.

He was told the whole thing would have to come down.

Mr Murdoch said: "I'm so angry about it; all I want to do is give my son a better life.

"Why didn't they tell me about this in the first place?

"Nobody uses that land. My boy can't wait - in March he was told he might not live.

"He needs a cage around his spine. He needs this extended space. He has got to have a good standard of life.

"I'd give this house up if it would let him walk again."

Dean Murdoch, 34, has been unable to work for the past five years because of his spinal injuries.

He is a trained floor fitter, and also worked as a carer in a nursing home, but two years ago he had to be airlifted to hospital after a fall at home.

Dean said: "Everything is costing a fortune, but we'll get it one way or another. Dad has a tremendous willpower and a great attitude to everything."

Mr Murdoch is currently seeking legal advice and has spoken to Hayes and Harlington MP, John McDonnell, about the best course of action.

He said: "The council have been very good to me over the years. They gave me my first mortgage, so I'm disappointed at what has gone on."

Jean Palmer, director of planning and community services at Hillingdon Council said: " Planning permission is granted for a development and not on the basis of who owns the land.

"Although planning permissioon was granted in this case Mr Murdoch does not own the land and does not have consent to build on it."