Leeds council chiefs say Becky Thompson, of Bramstan Close, Bramley, caused havoc by playing dance music throughout the night and early hours, sparking complaints from many of her neighbours in September that the music was seriously disrupting their sleep and their quality of life.

Yet even though council officials issued a noise abatement notice to Ms Thompson in October, which warned her that action would be taken if she didn't turn the noise down, the music continued – and was repeatedly witnessed during visits to the area by council employees.

Last Friday officers obtained a warrant to enter the flat and on Tuesday seized audio equipment including a Hi-fi, TVs and DVD players.

The local authority says it is now considering taking out a prosecution against Ms Thompson for non-compliance with the abatement notice, potentially leading to forfeiture of the equipment.

The move came on the same day that Leeds Council's environment action teams launched a new campaign to encourage people to be considerate to their neighbours over noise.