Police and bailiffs clear out Occupy protesters
Police and bailiffs move in to remove Occupy protesters from outside St Paul’s cathedral, arresting 20.
The arrests took place as officers in riot gear arrived at the site early this morning, five days after Occupy London was refused permission by the Court of Appeal to challenge orders evicting protesters.
The City of London Corporation began to enforce the orders for the removal of the protest camp shortly after midnight.
Around 60 protesters who refused to remove their tents remained as police and bailiffs began the operation. They remained defiant, waving flags and banging tambourines on top of a makeshift wooden structure facing the cathedral.
Others began dismantling their equipment before receiving news that bailiffs were due to arrive.
Vulnerable
In a statement, the Corporation said: “We regret that it has come to this, but the High Court judgement speaks for itself and the Court of Appeal has confirmed that judgement.
“High Court enforcement officers employed by the City of London Corporation are undertaking the removal with the police present to ensure public safety and maintain order.
“The City of London Corporation is ensuring vulnerable people are being helped and supported to find appropriate accommodation in partnership with Broadway, a charity for the homeless.”
Protester, Gary Sherborne, 50, said: “We haven’t got any choice and I’d rather protect the tent for another day without it being destroyed by the bailiffs.”
City of London Police described the operation as “largely peaceful”.