hey had been there for 137 days - they were gone in just 137 minutes.
The
steps of St Paul's Cathedral were finally cleared of anti-capitalist
protesters overnight, as the occupation that has blighted the London
landmark for more than four months finally came to an end.
City of London Police said 20 people were arrested in the 'largely peaceful' operation.
Bailiffs
and police arrived at the site shortly before 1am, five days after
Occupy London was refused permission by the Court of Appeal to challenge
orders evicting protesters.
After 2 hours and 17 minutes of scuffles and confrontation the final protester had been removed.
By
mid-morning a handful of police officers, some cracked paving stones
and fencing erected as the cleaning operation began were all that was
left behind on the campsite.
But many of the camp's occupants simply moved a mile up the road to a sister camp at Finsbury Square.
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'We regret the camp had to be removed by bailiffs but we are fully committed to continuing to promote these issues through our worship, teaching and Institute.
'The cathedral is open today and set aside for prayer and reflection. The cathedral is accessible to everyone. The area currently cordoned off is for essential repairs to damaged paving.
'Clergy are available throughout the day for pastoral care and support.'
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