Dale Farm clashes continue
Jackie Long
Social Affairs Editor and Presenter
Basildon council continues its eviction of Dale Farm, as the number of protesters dwindles.
Basildon Council leader Tony Ball said the authority was committed to carrying out the operation in a safe manner.
He added: “As always, the health and safety of council officers, partners and everyone on the site is our top priority.
“Again, we have been made aware that there are residents who want to leave the site and are being prevented from doing so by the barricade and the actions of the protesters.
“I hope that there are no repeats of yesterday’s scenes of premeditated violence and disorder from the protesters on the site, and that we can get on with the job of upholding the law, and clearing the site in a safe, professional and dignified way.”
One protester, Harry, who was chained to the roadblock overnight, said: “Last night was pretty uncomfortable but it is worth it.
“We may just be delaying the inevitable, but if we don’t stand up to this, nobody will. I’m prepared to stay as long as I can.”
Some travellers slept off site last night but dozens remain.
Read more: What next for Dale Farm travellers?
‘Shock and outrage’
On Wednesday riot-trained officers entered Dale Farm, Essex, at first light and quickly advanced, establishing a position which allowed them to begin removing the main scaffold gate.
By evening all protesters who had chained themselves to the gate had been removed. Essex Police made 23 arrests.
There were sporadic, small-scale clashes between supporters and police during the evening.
Officers and Basildon Council-employed bailiffs remained on site and the gate is expected to be removed today.
The number of supporters on site had dwindled from about 50 yesterday to just a handful.
About 50 travellers remained but many spent the night on the legal side of Dale Farm, and others said they now wanted to leave as soon as the gate was opened.
Kathleen McCarthy said she would be there until the end. She added: “I’ve seen residents with blood dripping down their face, and another who has been put in hospital by police batoning.
“The way in which the police are acting has shocked and outraged everyone here. We hope the world is watching.”