A BRADFORD mum has said she plans to take legal action after a "horror" holiday.

Natalie Hind, 42, and her partner Nathan Smyth, 38, headed to Cape Verde with Sonny, Natalie's son, for a week in May - staying at the Riu Funana Hotel.

But they complained that just two days into the trip, Sonny was struck down with a gastric illness and left scarred from bed bug bites.

He was given an EpiPen and antihistamines due to the severity of the reaction to the bites, they said. 

Natalie Hind with Sonny (Image: SWNS)

Natalie told how she also fell ill with gastric symptoms, including stomach cramps, sickness and diarrhoea, and then experienced significant itching from bed bug bites - while Nathan, a self-employed welder, became sick with symptoms around three days into their holiday.

They said they complained to hotel staff and the TUI rep during their stay and moved rooms three times - but each one was worse than the last.

They claimed food was often served uncovered, dirty utensils were frequently used and there were stray cats and cockroaches around the hotel.

The couple now plans to take legal action against tour operator TUI and has instructed lawyers to investigate.

Natalie said: "Our stay was a week-long horror story and we spoke to many others who had similar stories to tell.

"We've seen so many groups of people online saying they've had a similar experience.

"TUI must be aware of what is going on and we have a right to some answers. 

"I shudder to think other families might be going there, completely unaware."

Specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are now investigating.

Solicitor Jatinder Paul said: "The account of this holiday in Cape Verde from Natalie and Nathan is deeply concerning and mirrors a lot of previous reports we've received from those struck down by illnesses at this resort over the last few years.

"We've supported hundreds of clients who stayed at this hotel in recent years and this latest account indicates that holidaymakers are continuing to fall ill.

“The family, along with our other clients, have many questions over how they came to fall so ill and why limited action appears to have been taken in the wake of so many people falling sick previously."

The Telegraph & Argus asked TUI for a response but the company did not comment.

The T&A also asked the Riu Funana Hotel for a comment but no response was received by the time of publication.