University of Sussex occupiers evicted

Protesters have been evicted from the University of Sussex following an occupation which lasted nearly two months.

The university was last week granted a possession order to regain the area of Bramber House occupied by the protesters since 7 February.

About 25 protesters were evicted by bailiffs at 12:00 BST.

The university said it had "sought to act reasonably" in bringing the "unlawful occupation" to an end.

The occupation started over the university's decision to outsource support services.

Protester Jack Walsh said: "I think the financial cost to management we've caused has been a show of our strength, a show of the strength of the student body and a show of the strength of the people.

"I think I'd do it again."

'Intimidation'

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said four people had been arrested.

She added that police were at the scene to prevent any criminal offences and support the High Court enforcement officers [bailiffs], if requested.

John Duffy, registrar and secretary of the university, said the demonstration was brought to an end following the escalation of "violence, intimidation, thefts and damage" at a mass rally on 25 March.

"They used the space that they were occupying to organise the demonstration, in which most of them participated, without any reference to the university authorities or the police," he said.

"This reckless act endangered the safe operation of the campus and the health and safety of our staff and students."

He added that "peaceful demonstrations" were not banned at the university.