US police evict 'Occupy DC' protesters

Updated: 2012-02-05 11:20

(Xinhua)

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WASHINGTON - US Park Police on Saturday cleared "Occupy DC" protesters from their encampment blocks from the White House, arresting at least six people.

The police arrived before dawn at McPherson Square, where the protesters have been camping for about four months, and began carrying the tents away from the site. The removal went on for most part of the day.

Heavy police presence were witnessed at the site, with mounted police, helicopter, police in riot gear and even forklifts. Park Police even set up their own tent on the southwest side of McPherson Square, where they investigated items confiscated from the camp. Police said they wanted to make sure items taken from the camp are not hazardous. Some roads near the square were also closed.

The police arrested four people in the early morning, and later arrested two more. "Occupy DC" protesters will still be allowed to protest on McPherson Square. However, they will no longer be allowed to sleep over at the park.

Police handed out a letter to protesters last Monday, warning them about the raid. Protesters had about a week to prepare for the removal of their sleeping supplies, according to the police.

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