CANALSIDE squatters have been evicted from a stretch of land near Castle Mill Stream following a city council and police raid. 

A large tent and a number of personal items belonging to two separate groups of people were taken by Oxford City Council's streetscene team this afternoon. 

The residents - on land between Castle Mill Stream and Oxford Canal, near Mount Place - saw their items such as cushions, blankets and electrical equipment loaded onto a city council van. 

Edward Surridge, a boater who lives along the same stretch, said: "What concerns me is the council's refusal to engage with the people of what is a small community.

"They are neglecting the responsibilities they have to Oxford residents.

"A number of people have been made homeless today."

Thames Valley Police confirmed one of its Neighbourhood Policing Teams assisted Oxford City Council with site clearance on Castle Mill Stream. 

The police said its clearance had been carried out under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act - which related to noise nuisance and litter.