FILM: Police update on activity at Dale Farm
The situation at Dale Farm has now reached a considerably more
calm state than officers were faced with this morning, Wednesday,
October 19.
Police commanders made the decision to enter Dale Farm ahead of
council appointed bailiffs this morning, following intelligence
which showed anyone entering the site was likely to come up against
serious violence and that a breach of the peace would occur.
So far, seven people have been arrested for offences including
violent disorder and a breach of the peace. We are aware a small
number of people on the site have been treated for minor injuries
and one woman has been taken to hospital for treatment to a minor
back injury.
Officers will be investigating the circumstances leading up to this
woman’s injury.
The first officers on the site were attacked with missiles being
thrown including rocks and liquids. These officers were fully
equipped to deal with this situation.
We have clarified that only one person was tasered by officers and
not two as previously reported.
Consistent attempts were made, both on Tuesday and this morning, to
negotiate with protesters to leave the site peacefully.
Speaking at a press conference, Supt Trevor Roe said: "The tactic
was to take early control of the site. Where we have intelligence
there is likely to be violence we need to protect members of the
public including bailiffs, police officers, travellers and
protestors from injury. We also needed to provide access for all
emergency services should they need to enter and exit the
site.
"Serious violence was offered to two officers and their response
was to protect themselves by deploying taser. Tasers are not
generally deployed in public order situations but in this case the
officers were threatened directly. All officers are trained and
understand there are clear boundaries and limits when it comes to
the issue of reasonable force.
"We are now in control of the site, tension has reduced and
bailiffs are now starting to actively take steps to clear the
site."
Police officers involved this morning’s operation were from Essex
Police, Surrey Police and the Metropolitan Police.
Updated Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 1pm
