Squatters have been evicted from a disused church.

Dozens of people were kicked out of the former Methodist Church in London Road, Brighton, this morning.

The squatters moved into the building on April 11 and have converted it into a community centre.

The squatters said they were now homeless.

The squatters said they had converted the building into a community centre offering cinema nights, yoga workshops, a children's nursery and free food and coffee to passers-by.

Floyd Coombs, 21, said: "We have been trying to create a social centre for the community.

"We have made the building habitable and sanitary, and have opened it to the wider public.

"Our aim was to provide a service to the community which doesn't cost the world to use.

"There are about 15 people who live here permanently and many others who visit daily.

"We have a heavy-handed anti-drugs policy because we have seen how they destroy squats."

University of Sussex anthropology student Abi Sweet, 20, said: "I also have a job but chose to live here because I was interested in getting an alternative social centre set up.

"When this area is redeveloped there will be nothing for children and families that you don't have to pay for."

The squatters claim they were welcomed by residents and often fed by traders.

Tina Johnson, 29, of London Road, said: "I live nearby and they have caused no problems.

"They aren't drug addicts or bad people. I walk by and chat with them every morning.

"They have nowhere to live and were taking advantage, and improving an empty building."

Bailiffs attempted to remove the squatters on May 12 but they barricaded themselves in.

They successfully entered the building yesterday but needed scaffolding to reach squatters who hid in a net hammock attached to the ceiling.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "Bailiffs are going in with the squatters one by one for them to collect their things.

"Two people were arrested for obstructing court officials."

Three planning applications have been submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council to demolish the church and build flats.

In a previous statement, a Methodist Church spokesman said: "A thing that is under consideration is to turn it into flats and a community centre.

"As an institution and as individuals we have a great concern about the issue of homelessness."