Need help with potentially Illegal Eviction

Hi all,
I’m new here so take it easy. I’m a fateher of two girls aged 8 & 3. My wife and I were renting a privately rented unfinished flat. Initially we’ve had 6 months tenancy agreement and never got renewed however, we’ve lived in the same property for over 18 months before we’ve had to go to India to attend a medical emergency of a family member.

We departed in the first week of July and had a return date of early September in mind. However, my father in laws medical condition was getting worse hence we failed to return. Our landlord was well aware of this, we’ve also left the keys with him and agreed an emergency access As well as permission to turn on the heater if needed.

Then we’ve had an email from the landlord in October informing that he will take control of the property and our belongings which he will store for 90 days as best as he can in a garage shed! He also made it clear that we’re now being evicted. He did not issue any legal forms as all these being done over email.
Naturally, I kept pledging him not to take this action as that flat contains our everything including clothing, furniture, electronics, sensitive documents, jewellery etc etc. Most importantly I tried not to be homeless and it wasn’t possible for me to return and negotiate. I was in rent arrears at that time due to a struggling business venture which he knows. He also knows that I’ve sold the business and waiting for the money to be paid and I will clear all arrears with him. At one email I even asked “ARE YOU NOT BREAKING THE LAW?” He replied saying that what he is doing is perfectly legitimate as we don’t have never renewed the tenancy agreement!

Anyway, we were evicted in November and our belongings were under his control as he emptied the flat. We’ve been hit harder with another medical emergency in our family in industry a and the sale of my business was delayed and I had no fund to return. And being homeless with two daughters didn’t help my mental state as well. After a long while a friend offered to accommodate us temporarily so we can rent again and be ourselves.

We’ve returned in late April and now renting again. As per our belongings, we’ve got most of our clothings in rotten state, found 1 out of 2 TV and our double bed without any fittings. All of our valuables including jewellery aren’t to be found. The landlord says he had to dispose most of our stuff!! He even boast himself saying some of the electronic items were donated to a lady who was going through rough time!!!

I’m a veteran and all of my military records were in the flat. We’ve had personal computer, iPad Xbox one etc which contained our very personal data. None of them are to be accounted for or no evidence of disposal.

Please help as this is really starting to hurt us as a family. Our current mental state is beyond ones imagination especially, our 8 year old daughter. Luckily, the 3 year old doesn’t have a clue!

Thanks in advance.