POLICE today began removing tents and protesters from Parliament Square in the latest twist in a decade-long battle to clear the prime London real estate.
Police remove tents and placards from the anti-war protest camp on Parliament Square in Central London. Picture: EPA / AAP
Source: AAP
Scotland Yard said officers arrived at the scene to remove "all tents and sleeping equipment" from the square. It said no arrests had been made and the number of individuals removed from the site was not immediately available as the operation was still under way.
A young man is handcuffed by police officers during a raid on the anti-war protest camp in Parliament Square. Picture: EPA / AAP
Source: AAP
Officers were acting to enforce the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act of 2011, which gave police new powers to prevent encampments around Parliament Square.
The officers were assisted by teams from the local Westminster council in loading equipment into trucks.
A young woman is lead away by police during a raid on the anti-war protest camp in Parliament Square. Picture: EPA / AAP
Source: AAP
Council leader Colin Barrow expressed support for the police action.
"For too long local people and tourists have been unable to fully enjoy the square," he said. "This is a tragedy and the sooner this historic site can be enjoyed by the public the better."
Protesters in colourful tents and with equally colourful slogans have been staked out opposite the houses of parliament for about 10 years.
Council workers clean-up the pavement after police have removed thet anti-war protest camp on Parliament Square. Picture: EPA / AAP
Source: AAP
The campaigners were initially led by Brian Haw, a veteran British peace activist who staged around-the-clock protests there for 10 years before his death last year from cancer.
Haw set up camp in June 2001 to protest against bombing raids on Iraq.
Over the years, officials tried - but failed - to shut down his protests and remove him and his collection of pictures showing war victims and slogans such as "Baby Killers".
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