CALAIS (Sputnik) — French riot police encircled the shantytown to prevent refugees and pro-migrant activists from interfering with the clear-up operation.
Former residents of the makeshift camp anxiously watched workers in orange vests tear down their dwellings but refrained from any violent action, after clashes with police on Monday. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
A volunteer from L’Auberge des Migrants (Migrants’ Refuge), an aid charity, said around three dozens of shelters had been demolished since Tuesday morning.
The operation to dismantle the sprawling "Jungle" tent camp began on Monday after the go-ahead from a local court. Authorities estimate that the southern part of the camp housed between 800 and 1,000 migrants.
