Around 30-35 protesters, mainly comprised of students from Manchester University occupied News International offices (home of such papers as the sun, the times and news of the world) in Manchester on Tuesday April 1st. They gained entrance perfectly legally (walked in through the door) and occupied the offices peacefully. Literature was handed out to staff, and a good mood prevailed - that is, until the police (scum/filth/cunts) turned up in great numbers. Once informed that they had no legal basis to arrest or remove the occupying masses (perfectly true) they told the informee 'you're first', and when asked for their numbers, names and stations, told the questioner 'you're next', refusing to provide him with the information he was legally entitled to. As a premise to give the illegal removal of the occupiers some legitimaticy, the guy in charge informed the occupiers that he had been informed by a member of staff that some damage had been done to a door on the way in and that if they didn't move, people would be liable to arrest on 'suspicion of criminal damage'. This damage was a fabrication until a policeman was seen to damage a door, once the occupiers had been forcibly removed at great pain to many who had their limbs and heads twisted until they felt they'd snap, all highlighting the illegality of the police's actions.

Rather than be dismayed, it was extremely pleasing to see the police reduced to the status of petty criminals - even more pleasing to note that with all the riot vans on the streets they thought they had April 1st covered but obviously didn't as the successful actions of the occupiers showed.

Lessons learned - use your brains - plan ahead, and keep it secret!