A group of eco-warriors has finally been escorted from an illegal camp in Poole following a five-hour stand-off with police and bailiffs.

The drama began at 12.30pm today when police, bailiffs and council representatives moved onto the Magna Road site, which had been occupied by the group, known as the Bearwood and Merley Organic Energy Community, since January 16. 

And it ended at 5.30pm after bailiffs used a crowbar to remove the door of the straw bale structure at the green belt site.

The three members of the group, who had barricaded themselves in the property and were shouting at officials, were then escorted out.

The 'home', which contained a log-burning stove, was then demolished. 

At one stage, almost 30 police officers were in attendance.

Poole council acted today after the eco-warriors' appeal against eviction had been thrown out at the county court.

The Bearwood and Merley Organic Energy Community- including leader Elisabeth Nolson- refused to leave the shack as the site was cleared around them this afternoon.

Around 2pm when bailiffs moved in to remove the door- a chainsaw was started up within the structure.

Police who were on site to keep the peace deemed it a threat to harm and ordered the bailiffs to stand back.

A police negotiator was called to the scene just before 4pm and spent more than an hour speaking with those inside.

Bournemouth Echo:

Ward councillor David Brown said residents had been concerned about the costs to the council and police falling on taxpayers' shoulders.

He added: “Some people support the idea, but not the way this group is doing it. Quite a lot of people support a community use for the land and the council is looking at quite a few options for the future of this land to benefit the community. For one group to decide their idea is best and they have the right to go on the land and do what they want isn't right." 

Inspector Ernie Henley, of Dorset Police, said: "The local authority along with the court bailiffs have evicted some people from the land and Dorset Police was here to prevent any breach of the peace.

"Thankfully everything went smoothly and nobody has been arrested or hurt."

Elizabeth Nolson, the group's leader, said: "Because of this we are homeless tonight. 

"All we wanted to do was grow food and provide homeless people with shelter.”