Met officers worked with University College London Hospitals and other partners on Friday, 10 November, in response to concerns about approximately ten tents near the entrance to the hospital in Huntley Street, NW1.
The hospital’s security team had requested the assistance of police. This action was necessary due to the hospital’s concerns for patient welfare. The tents were on private land close to the hospital entrance and had been at the location for up to nine months.
Police had also received reports of drug use and drug dealing, urination and defecation and of patients and staff being intimated or verbally abused by some of those begging and sleeping rough at the location.
On 6 and 7 November, all of those present at the site were fully engaged with by partner organisations and advised of the hospital’s wish to clear the site on 10 November.
A Section 35 Dispersal Order was authorised on 10 November, and two hours prior to the site clearance taking place, all individuals who were present on the site were given time to leave. All but one of those present left the site; some taking tents with them and some leaving them behind.
The one man who remained was arrested for breaching the Section 35 order.
Veolia staff removed the tents left behind. The personal belongings and the tent of the male who was arrested were not disposed of, since he was present at the location and thus his items hadn’t been abandoned.
Appropriate support was provided by partner organisations to those affected.
