Bins were set on fire early this morning.
Bins have been set on fire in protest at an operation to evict about 70 squatters from six mansion blocks in Lambeth.
About 40 properties on Rushcroft Road in Brixton were cleared by Lambeth Council earlier this morning after occupants who had been living there illegally for years were evicted.
Officers were called to the address at 02:20, and one person was arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage, police said.
Lambeth Council said it had been in talks with the squatters, some of whom haven’t paid rent since 2000, to try to move them on and added that those evicted will be helped to find somewhere else to live.
“We are taking action this week because it is unfair on the thousands of residents in need of housing in Lambeth that a small minority have been unlawfully squatting in six mansion blocks,” said the council.
“Following the eviction of the unauthorised occupants, three of the six blocks in Rushcroft Road will be sold to bring the remaining three blocks back into use as 22 new homes for social rent.
“The other three blocks will be sold to generate a significant capital receipt.”
Firefighters were at the scene to deal with items that had been set alight in the road.
Photo courtesy of puuikibeach, with thanks.
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