THE occupation of the former Bank of England building by anti-austerity campaigners was brought to an end today in a dawn swoop by police.
The five remaining campaigners in the building, four men and a 19 year old woman, were arrested and taken into custody for questioning.
The storming of the building by police started around 5am when Castle Street was closed off, signalling the beginning of the end of a protest that started on April 18 when the occupation started and the Grade I building was turned into an all-comers homeless shelter.
Dozens of supporters had been supplying food and other day-to-day living items to the group, known as the Love Activists, inside the building, constructed as a fortress for cash and gold bullion in the mid 19th century.
This morning a heavy police presence, at both ends of Castle Street, ensured even pedestrians were stopped from entering the thoroughfare.
An eviction order, signed a fortnight ago by a judge, was ignored and the protest went on, although the homeless people had all left.
The Love Activists had issued a list of demands, including a meeting with Mayor Joe Anderson and also the provision of a vacant building in the city to house the homeless.
After today's arrests, police and crime scene investigators made a search of the vast building checking there were no protestors hiding in places like the vaults. Fire engines and ambulances were positioned close by in case of any emergency situation.
Some of the campaigners left the building at the weekend, intending to challenge the eviction order in court later this week.
The protesters last weekOne said a convoy of around 20 police vehicles converged on Castle Street at the start of the operation.
Castle Street was eventually re-opened around 8am, but the area around the bank remains sealed off.
In a statement Merseyside Police said: “Due to the unlawful breach of the interim warrant of possession, a decision was made to enter the premises and, at about 5.25am, a cordon was put in place around the building as a precautionary measure. Officers then entered with a view to arresting those inside.
"Four men, aged 20, 20, 22, 50, and a 19-year-old woman were arrested for trespassing during the currency of a possession order. The 19-year-old was also arrested criminal damage and an offence under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990."
Chief Superintendent Jon Ward, said: “The safety of both the public and the occupying group have been the top priority throughout this operation. The decision to take this action today has not been taken lightly.
'Urinating'
“Merseyside Police is clear that while we will facilitate peaceful protest we will not tolerate disorder, criminal or anti-social behaviour during any demonstration.
“Since this group forced entry to the building, numerous calls have been received by the police from members of the public regarding the anti-social behaviour of some of the trespassers, and some of their associated supporters in the street. This has included littering, urinating from the upper floors of the building into the street below and noise and swearing.
“This group was issued with an interim warrant of possession from a court which they chose not to adhere to and they were also advised by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service that people utilising and residing inside the property were at risk. Despite knowing the risks the group made a decision to remain inside the property.
“Instead, during the last 25 days my officers have tried to negotiate with the members of the group on numerous occasions and have asked them to leave the premises both verbally and in written form, to no avail. The group were also warned that officers might take a decision to gain entry to the building to arrest them if they did not leave."
He went on: “Representatives from the Whitechapel Centre have attended the building on numerous occasions offering support and arranging solutions for the homeless people and rough sleepers there. Part of this support was to offer accommodation to those who wanted it.
“A decision was made to enter the premises to arrest those inside for various offences this morning. This action was appropriate and proportionate given the risks involved.
“At the present time none of the people arrested have been identified as being homeless or rough sleepers.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to warn other individuals or groups thinking of occupying buildings in a similar fashion that this type of action will not be tolerated and we will, as in this case, use all legal means at our disposal to remove you and bring you to justice.”
MERSEYSIDE POLICE: TIMELINE
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April 22: Group were served a notice from Liverpool Civil Court summonsing them to appear on April 28.
April 24: Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service issue Prohibition Notice to the people occupying the property having conducted an inspection.
April 28: Hearing at Liverpool Civil Court attended by representatives for the building owners, Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and the occupying group. Court issues interim warrant of possession giving the occupying group 24 hours to leave.
April 29: After the 24 hour period had expired, members of the group remained inside the premises refusing to leave despite previously stating they would adhere by the terms of the court order.
April 30: Merseyside Police introduce a dispersal zone under Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act in the area in response, they say, to a number of concerns raised by local businesses and residents.
By May 2: Seven people had been arrested for "not agreeing to disperse".
May 2: Liverpool City Council issues order under Town and Police Clauses Act 1847 giving police power to move to prevent an obstruction being caused in the street.
May 12: Officers enter the building to arrest those inside for breaching the interim possession order in place
