The multi-million pound eviction of travellers on the Dale Farm site in Essex, outside London descended into violence yesterday with two people tasered, 23 arrests and missiles thrown at police.
Protesters were arrested for various offences including violent disorder, breach of the peace and obstruction after riot police entered the UK’s largest illegal travellers’ site in Essex to clear the way for bailiffs.
Around 50 officers were pelted with rocks and liquids as they broke down a rear fence to get in. The eviction began after the travellers lost their final high court battle to stop Basildon Council going ahead with the clearance of illegal plots. Last night police secured the area and removed protesters from a 40-foot- high scaffolding tower which had been erected at the main gate to the site. It was being dismantled to allow access for the bailiffs to begin removing the plots.
But sporadic clashes between police and protesters continued late last night.
Electricity supplies were cut and supporters said this had turned off crucial medical equipment belonging to elderly residents.
Paramedics were escorted on to the site by supporters to treat resident Nora Egan, who claimed she suffered back injuries in a confrontation with police.
Margaret Sheridan also claimed she was injured. “They’re rough and there is no reasoning with them,” she said. Kathleen McCarthy, a Dale Farm resident, said: “The memory of Dale Farm will weigh heavily on Britain for generations – we are being dragged out of the only homes we have in this world. Our entire community is being ripped apart by Basildon Council and the politicians in Government.”
An ambulance service spokesman said one resident had been taken to hospital and another was receiving treatment. Four others refused treatment.
Supporters said resident Cornelius Sheridan, who is in his 50s and seriously ill, was taken to hospital after the power supply to his defibrillator had been cut.