A semi-naked man climbed on top of a five-storey building in a desperate last stand against eviction from a high-profile squat yesterday afternoon (April 16).

The man, dressed only in pyjama bottoms, played a game of cat and mouse with security guards before eventually coming down from the property in Grand Parade, Brighton, shortly before 5pm.

Earlier in the afternoon teams of bailiffs had used chainsaws to hack through the building’s barricaded door.

They were backed up by two vans of riot police equipped with helmets and shields.

At least three vans of bailiffs, equipped with power tools and Rottweilers, turned up at the well-known squat, which backs on to Circus Street, at 2pm.

They attempted to talk the activists out but after that failed they broke down the door.

All the occupants came out peacefully apart from the lone man who took to the roof in protest.

The long-haired male sat on top of a stepladder on the building’s roof.

Protest banners

Passers-by craned their necks as the man exposed his backside to The Argus photographer.

A number of banners adorned the front of the property.

The activists also displayed a recent Argus billboard cover from our story ‘Police morale at all-time low’.

It is believed to be the third time the building has been squatted.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “They went in with chainsaws with the riot police behind them.

“It seems a bit much to be honest. Thankfully nobody was hurt.”

Following their eviction the squatters, who refused to speak to The Argus, held an impromptu picnic on the street outside.

Despite Sussex Police sending two vans of riot police, no arrests were made.

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