It's the end of an era, say evicted Brixton group

Squatters evicted from a block of Brixton flats which has been occupied for more than a decade said today that their departure was "the end of an era".

Fifty people are looking for a new home after being forced out of the 22 flats in Clifton Mansions, known for housing alternative musicians and artists. One policeman was injured yesterday during the clearance of the property, which has previously housed members of Irish band The Pogues and Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller.

Alex Morton, a 22-year-old graphic design student at Camberwell College of Arts, told the Standard he had moved into a friend's house but would soon be moving to Italy to work as a volunteer until the start of the next academic year.

He said: "In terms of rehousing I don't know what people have done, everyone is a bit lost. It was definitely the end of an era."

Pete Hambly, 33, a Canadian guitar technician who has lived at Clifton Mansions rent-free for eight years, said he faced the prospect of being homeless when he returned from a job in the US.

Lambeth council said the evictions were to cut down on "anti-social behaviour" and to raise "vital funds".