Raven's Ait Island violently evicted

[Massimo.A.]

http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/05/429048.html

Around 4.15am this morning around 100 commandos stormed Ravens Ait island

they arrived in 27 black zodiac inflatables

they were wearing helmets, balaclavas, and flackjackets, and carried sidearms

overhead a low flying helicopter used thermal imaging to locate the approximately 20 residents who were sleeping at the time

the commandos kicked down doors and took people outside and off the island

the entrance to the tunnel and treehouse were guarded and nobody was in them at the time

most people left peacefully, but a few resisted eviction and were arrested

the last resister climbed on top of the outdoor marquee and the police pulled it down to arrest him

by 7.30am all residents were off the island, but lots of their posessions are still on the island

at least 50 more regular Kingston police have since arrived and are currently on the island

the former residents and their supporters are currently on the Surbiton riverbank in good spirits enjoying the sunshine, and request more supporters to join them to show local and national news crews how much support they have for their eco community centre plans

 http://www.ravensait.org.uk