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New squat law used in Bristol

inks | 05.09.2012 20:07 | Free Spaces | Policing

At least one squat closed down in Bristol today using Section 144, possibly a second.

Another Bristol squat evicted by High Court bailiffs with a warrant of restitution at 4am in the morning.

And a third large squat got court papers today.

A recently squatted flat on Ashley Road, Bristol was evicted by police accompanied by a council official using the new Section 144 law. The one person in the building at the time left and was not arrested.

There's been mention of a second squat - possibly in Fishponds, Bristol - evicted using Section 144 but this may be incorrect. Any more information appreciated.

Berkley Square, Bristol got evicted by High Court bailiffs accompanied by police starting at about 4am in the morning. They had to use an angle grinder to cut through the sitex door. About eight people took to the roof and stayed up until mid-morning. The bailiffs had a warrant of restitution as the building had been previously squatted.

One person responding to the call out was arrested. They were released without charge later in the day. No-one else appears to have been arrested.

And finally one of the larger, fairly long-term squats in a retail unit in central Bristol received court papers today for a County Court hearing on 11 September. The exact nature of the hearing is not known and none of the normal notices have been served on the building.

All the above actions seem unconnected. It's been a busy day - and a busier night lies ahead as we take our crowbars for a walk.

inks