Cops clash with migrants and protesters ahead of Calaise Jungle closure
Tear gas and stones thrown as violent battle between authorities and migrants escalated throughout the night
MIGRANTS and protesters clashed with cops last night hours before the Calais Jungle camp was due to be cleared today.
Officers fired tear gas earlier in the evening after gangs of migrants threw stones at them.
And more violence erupted as darkness fell.
Cops were confronted with fires amid fears anarchists had infiltrated the camp.
Riot police set up an exclusion zone in an effort to keep problems at bay.
They were braced for another battle today with authorities due to destroy the notorious refugee shantytown.
There are between 6,000 and 10,000 migrants there desperate to get to Britain to claim asylum.
Sixty buses were due to pick up 3,000 today to take them to two other centres in France.
A British-registered van dropped off empty suitcases for them to pack their bags.
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Authorities have warned that those who do not leave the Jungle or co-operate will be arrested and placed in detention.
Up to 1,250 police are expected to try to control the removals.
Already left-wing protestors and hardcore migrants have said they will resist.
One refugee said: “I have been here for years. I cannot believe what they are trying to do here. I will not be going anywhere.”
Tomorrow, 45 buses will turn up for 2,500 people, and on Wednesday 40 buses will be on hand for another 2,000.
On Saturday night, members of the British No Borders anarchist group were accused of co- ordinating trouble.
Christian Salome, of the Immigrant Shelter charity, claimed: “People have come for the violence. We’ve already had some injuries. They remind me of the people who go to football matches to fight.”
Demolition of the camp is expected to start in full tomorrow, with more protests feared.
