Updated: First day of Dale Farm eviction at an end (From Basildon Recorder)

First day of eviction nears at an end

9:20pm Wednesday 19th October 2011 in Echo News

THE Dale Farm eviction began with ugly clashes between protesters and police.

Twenty three people were arrested for violent disorder, public order and obstruction, while a caravan was blown up sending thick black smoke 40-feet into the air.

After 10 years and endless rounds of legal battles the eviction started at 7am following a surprise assault on the camp by police who had previously said they would only be there to keep order on both sides.

However, following intelligence there were flammable liquids on site and heavy objects would be hurled at bailiffs, police initially took over the operation.

Electricity was cut as Essex Police sent officers into the illegal site at the opposite end to the scaffold barricade where protestors had expected them to arrive.

The surprise operation has led to claims of heavy handedness from travellers and their supporters following reports two protesters were taken out with taser stun guns at just after 7am.

Relations between travellers and police had already thawed with officers banned from the camp three days before the eviction.

Candy Sheridan, a traveller campaigner complained 48-hours notice should have been given, while site spokeswoman Kathleen McCarthy said they had been duped into thinking it would be peaceful.

Police defended the actions after some of the around 150 police in full riot gear were stoned with bricks, bottles and fluids.

Supt Trevor Roe said: "The tactic was to take early control of the site. Where we have intelligence there is likely to be violence we need to protect members of the public including bailiffs, police officers, travellers and protestors from injury.”

Council leader Tony Ball, said: "I am absolutely clear that after 10 years of negotiation to try and find a peaceful solution to this that actually what we are doing is the right thing.”

At least seven people were treated by the ambulance service.

After trying to convince people to come down from 8am, the last protester was finally removed from the top at 5.20pm.

For much of the day travellers just watched in disbelief from their pitches while protesters tried to hold up the bailiffs.

However, at just before 6pm there were further scenes of violence. Order was restored within about 10 minutes. A number of masked protesters again hurled bricks at police from close range.

MEP Richard Howitt was removed from the site after he "tricked" his way in to the media compound earlier today, a Basildon Council spokesman said.

The spokesman said the East of England MEP, who has publicly backed those facing eviction, had been warned both verbally and in writing that he could not enter the site for security reasons and was told he could visit tomorrow.

He said: "We are extremely disappointed that he chose to completely ignore our communications and tricked his way into the compound, which was a security breach.

"He was subsequently removed from the compound and will not be allowed back."

Stephen Horgan, deputy leader of the council, told BBC Essex: "Where has Mr Howitt been for the last ten years and during his time as a member of the European Parliament?

"He could have had significant clout when the Labour Government was in power to help this situation, but was nowhere to be seen - it is only now at the end of the process and with major media interest in the site clearance that he has appeared on various outlets offering negotiation and so called solutions to the problem."

FULL STORY AND PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S ECHO