Police evict gang squatters

Armed police have evicted known gang members and associates believed to have been squatting in an empty Palmerston North house.

Four alleged squatters in handcuffs were removed from the property on Albert St, the Manawatu Standard reported today.

Three more alleged squatters were later found at a different property, Constable Chris Day, of Palmerston North police, said.

Police action was prompted by a request from the Palmerston North City Council property manager.

"The house was known to be used by gang members and associates who were not legal tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act," Mr Day said.

The gang members were evicted without incident and a car was seized for unpaid fines.

A 21-year-old man will appear in Palmerston North District Court later this month on a charge of possessing cannabis.

- NZPA