1st May 2009
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
www.ravensait.org.uk
—
Local press coverage, photos & alternative version of numbers of police involved.