People caught up in a new loyalist paramilitary feud in Belfast were put up in the city's Hilton hotel free of charge, it was revealed tonight.
The North's Housing Executive intervened as the dispute between the Ulster Volunteer Force and the Loyalist Volunteer Force escalated. An explosion linked to the conflict rocked a street in east Belfast earlier.
At the same time, it emerged that up to eight people quit their homes over the weekend. Several of them spent two nights in the Hilton, where rooms start at around £95 (€140) a night.
The decision provoked criticism of the Housing Executive, which has already come under fire over its strategy for the homeless.
Ulster Unionist MLA Mr Michael McGimpsey said: "This is a classic example of the Executive's complacent approach.
"They have no contingency plans laid down whatsoever, which means they have to put people somewhere like the Hilton."
The authority, which is now understood to have ended emergency aid for those forced to flee, stressed it was legally obliged to provide urgent temporary accommodation for anyone declared homeless.
A Housing Executive spokeswoman said: "Hotels are only used, as a last resort, when no other suitable accommodation is available.
"In view of the particular circumstances the Housing Executive has decided that it has fulfilled its duties under the homelessness legislation."