Chaos and confusion reigned yesterday as a company attempted to auction off 84 flats owned by people in dire financial straits.

Tension peaked when Péter Tasnádi, a convicted criminal who is free pending appeal, seized a Magyar Hírlap photographer who tried to take a picture of him, and forced him into a room. A crowd then stormed the door to free the photographer, Zsolt Burger.

Tasnádi was sentenced to a six-year prison term last May by the Municipal Court on two counts of preparing to commit murder and abetting assault. His lawyer has filed an appeal.

The situation in the auction company's offices on Károly körút was tense from the outset.

Bidding was to start at 10 a.m., but was eventually put off to 11 a.m., because of the appearance of dozens of people, including those fearing eviction, and those protesting against evictions.

A law forbids evictions during the cold months between November and April. The auctioneer, Árverező Ház, said it is not evicting anyone.

The fracas between Tasnádi and Burger further delayed proceedings. Burger told Magyar Hírlap that Tasnádi pushed him into his room and closed the door. Burger then handed over the memory card from his digital camera as he felt threatened. He was only able to leave the room after others who rushed to his aid managed to open the door.

Arriving police asked for the identity cards of all present, but allowed Tasnádi and his entourage to leave the building. Tasnádi said he went to the auction to help as they were trying to sell the home of a friend of his.

Only two of the 84 flats and houses on auction were sold.

Róbert Orbán, CEO of Árverező Ház, said his company has nothing to do with Tasnádi, and does not concern evict residents.

Police have launched an inquiry.