Bricks are thrown through windows of central London squat
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Version 0 of 1. The squatters who have occupied a £15m property in Belgravia, central London, bought by a Russian oligarch, Andrey Goncharenko, have come under physical attack from a group they described as fascists. A group of people gathered outside the property and hurled bricks, bottles and poles through the windows on Saturday afternoon. The squatters have created a shelter for homeless people at the property. At the time of the attack, there were more than a dozen homeless people there along with the occupiers and some visiting families with children. The squatters have planned a programme of films and talks to which they have invited the public. We have been keeping the property clean and tidy and trying to look after it for Mr Goncharenko The squatters posted a series of SOS messages on Twitter calling for human reinforcements to fend off the attackers. “We are being violently attacked by fascists, get to 102 Eaton Square immediately. Lives are at risk,” said one comment. “The mansion is being secured from inside after attacks by fascists, children are being moved upstairs, no reports of injuries,” said another post. Then: “Fascists fought/scared off, police liaised and content. We would still appreciate numbers here to display that we will resist.” Jed Miller, 25, a law student and one of the occupiers, praised the police who attended the incident and thanked them for their support. “The police have been very good. I have spoken to the inspector on the phone and he just wants to make sure that everyone is safe. We are very annoyed that the attackers caused damage to the property by breaking some of the windows. We have been keeping the property clean and tidy and have been trying to look after it for Mr Goncharenko.” A spokesman for the Metropolitan police said: “Police were called to Eaton Square, SW1, just after 16:15hrs on Saturday, 28 January, to reports of a disturbance involving a group outside a non-residential property. The suspects made off before officers arrived. Officers have conducted local searches and are patrolling the local area. There have been no arrests. Inquiries continue.” Despite the attack, the occupiers say they have received huge support from members of the public and many donations of food, which has been used to feed the homeless people in the five-storey, Grade II-listed accommodation. Miller said: “Following the incident we have reinforced the property against further attacks. As far as we are concerned it’s business as usual here. We continue to feed and accommodate homeless people and hold events like film screenings.” The squatters – Autonomous Nation of Anarchist Libertarians, known as Anal – said they had entered through an open window on 23 January. Tom Fox, 23, one of the squatters, said: “It is criminal that there are so many homeless people and at the same time so many empty buildings. Our occupation is highlighting this injustice.” Rough sleeper figures published last week revealed an increase of 16% from last year, to more than 4,000. More than 200,000 homes have been empty for more than six months, according to new government figures. A banner above the front door reads “USA anti-government in exile”, and a black flag displays the words “Antifaschistische Aktion”, a European anti-fascist network. The squatters face eviction proceedings at Central London county court on Tuesday. Goncharenko bought the property in 2014 but has not lived in it so far. When Westminster council granted him planning permission for various changes including a basement swimming pool they decided that it was not a suitable property to include social housing. So instead, in line with planning law, Goncharenko made a payment of £816,000 to the council when planning permission was granted, to use for social housing. A spokesman from Advisory Service for Squatters, which produces a handbook for squatters, said: “ASS supports the requisitioning of empty property to house homeless people and for other social uses. Squatting in non-residential property is not a criminal offence. Squatting in residential property was made a criminal offence in 2012. Street homelessness is rising rapidly. Squatting is still a temporary but necessary solution for people.” |