A business today vowed to wage a high court battle to recover his homes and cars, seized by a Home Office agency.

Arthur Pickering is to "strenuously resist'' a court order which has seen a receiver appointed to take control and manage his affairs, property and bank accounts.

Even though the 34-year-old was cleared by a jury of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs the Assets Recovery Agency went to the High Court in London, on behalf of Cleveland Police and successfully applied for an order to retain more than £648,000 of Mr Pickering's assets.

The order included seizure of his £495,000 four bedroom detached house in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, and its luxury contents, including high specification electrical goods, seven other houses and two vehicles, including a £46,500 BMW convertible.

Mr Pickering was cleared of dealing in cocaine at Durham Crown Court last February.

He claimed his lavish lifestyle was funded by his income from selling ice-cream and dealing second hand cars.

However the High Court in London has granted the Police Assets Recovery Agency an interim order to seize goods worth £648,372.

It is the first case in Cleveland where the agency has sought such action under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Last night Mr Pickering's solicitor Bill O'Hanlon told The Northern Echo: "The High Court proceedings that have been instituted by the Assets Recovery Agency will be strenuously resisted.

"We are very surprised that Cleveland Constabulary have sought publicity over a matter that is subject to contested High Court proceedings, particularly as Andrew Pickering was publicly tried and acquitted of criminal charges in early 2004.''

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said last night: "If Mr O'Hanlon has any complaint to make then he should put it in writing."