Protests turn violent as police remove rough sleepers from Flinders Street campsite
Protestors and police have clashed as homeless people sleeping rough outside Flinders Street station in Melbourne are evicted from their controversial campsite.
Renovations on the building are set to begin and the rough sleepers were set to be moved on Wednesday morning.
However, as police moved in on the area in considerable numbers, clashes unfolded between authorities and protestors.
Victoria police stand guard after they earlier evicted many homeless people from a makeshift camp outside Flinders St station. Source: AAP
Police use force as they clash with protestors. Source: Facebook/7 News Melbourne
A woman is restrained on the pavement by police. Source: Facebook/7 News Melbourne
The homeless campsite has courted controversy as it covers half of the footpath with bedding and possessions in a busy pedestrian area of the city.
There are plans for scaffolding to be installed in the area where the homeless campsite is located as builders prepare to repaint the building.
Victoria police stand guard after they earlier evicted many homeless people from a makeshift camp. Source: AAP
Several officers lined the street in preparation of the eviction. Source: Facebook/7 News Melbourne
A female protestor put her sleeping bag in the middle of the road. Source: Facebook/7 News Melbourne
The removal and resulting protests has left roads and tram tracks in the area blocked off.
Protestor signs included messages such as ‘Civil Not Criminal’ and ‘Sleeping Rough Is Not A Crime’.
Protestors shout as police officers as others film the drama. Source: Facebook/7 News Melbourne
Protesters at a homeless camp outside Flinders Street station. Image: AAP
Those in the campsite were given notice by the council to clear out within 24 hours or risk being arrested as police move in.
