Squatters have been evicted from a filthy drug den at a former pub in east London.
The Princess Amelia in Stratford was left strewn with hypodermic needles and human faeces in the garden after it was occupied.
Police said there was also a spike in thefts around the former pub in the residential Henniker Road while the building was being used by as many as 20 squatters.
Police and council officers swooped on the privately-owned building after a court order was issued to secure possession for the owner.
Nine people – five men and four women – were found inside the squat, which was opposite a primary school, during the raid on September 23.
Councillor Unmesh Desai, cabinet member for crime and anti-social behaviour, said: “Residents should not have to put up with squatters living on their road, disturbing their peace and wreaking havoc in the area. I am glad the council and the police were able to help the property owner evict these squatters.
“The council’s enforcement and safety team work hard to find solutions to anti-social behaviour in the borough, because we want residents to feel safe and happy in the area and their homes.”