A couple living in a tent have slammed people who “trolled” them online.

The story of Thomas Cutts, 23, and Suzanne Underdown, 47, was originally reported in this newspaper before Christmas.

Since October 15 last year, they have been pitched up near Garrisons Point on Sheerness beach after they were evicted from their rented flat in Sheerness Broadway.

VIDEO: Couple who live in tent respond to online trolls

The pair say they were unable to move into emergency accommodation offered by Swale council because the local authority, which has met them a number of times, can only provide rooms for them separately.

But the couple, who have been together for six years, have spoken of their shock after hearing the mostly negative comments left by people reading about their situation.

Remarks left include: “Two fine specimens. Can’t even be bothered to decorate their tent for Christmas. Sponging lowlifes,” and “get off your lardy fat bottoms and get a job and don’t expect we taxpayers to provide for you, we’re fresh out of money for fruitloops”.

Others have compared the twosome to the deformed characters of Hollywood blockbuster horror films The Hills Have Eyes and Wrong Turn. Ms Underdown said of the comments: “We feel like it’s kicking a person when they’re down.

“What we were offered also wasn’t just a room, they weren’t even in the same town and I can’t go on my own anywhere like that – I’ve got a bad sense of direction, so I can’t do.

“Everyone has their own view. You can say that about taxpayers, about anything; they pay for everything – roads, police, everything.”

Mr Cutts said: “I would tell these people to come down and get the full picture.

“You can’t get any lower than terrorising someone that’s homeless.

“I want to go to work. I’ve wanted to work for ages, but my mental health situation stops me from working.”

An eviction notice was served on the couple on December 15, but they have said they cannot leave until they have suitable accommodation.