Three people were arrested as they tried to stop their caravan being removed by force from their own plot of land.
Police were brought in as the caravan owners made a last stand against the council decision to remove the mobile home.
Arrested - caravan owner Christopher Phillips prepares for the arrival of the police to remove the caravan from the land, near Bradwell, Braintree. Picture: SEANA HUGHES
An enforcement notice was issued because the owners did not have planning permission for the caravan at The Slades, near Bradwell, Braintree.
For three years, owners Christopher Phillips and John Merson have been battling to keep the caravan.
But yesterday, Braintree Council enlisted the help of a crane to hoist it away.
Mr Phillips and Mr Merson said the decision was an infringement of their rights but last year the Environment Secretary dismissed their claims.
Mr Phillips said: "Its just bully tactics."
After making their stand, the pair, along with Mr Phillips's son, were arrested. They were later released without charge.
The caravan was removed by the crane.
The land was believed to be have been to sold to Mr Phillips and Mr Merson by the same person behind the controversial sale of plots of land at Stisted on the internet.
A council spokesman said the case should serve as a warning to people planning to buy those plots of land.
Police would not let the Evening Gazette's photographer take a picture of the caravan being taken away by the crane.
Published Tuesday, April 8, 2003
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