Eight arrested over Tom Crawford roof-top protests

Eight people have been arrested after a rooftop protest at the former house in Nottinghamshire of Tom Crawford, who was evicted earlier this month after a legal dispute over his mortgage.

Supporters of Mr Crawford climbed on to the roof of the home in Fearn Chase, Carlton, on Friday afternoon.

They displayed banners saying "Justice for Tom and Sue", also referring tohis wife, and "I am Tom Crawford".

Supporters campaigned in the street until the last protesters came down from the roof on Saturday afternoon.

Craig Crawford, 31, of Ockbrook Drive, Nottingham, and Christopher Morgan, 39, of, Albany Street, Ilkeston, were charged with criminal damage and have been bailed to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on August 27.

Martin Atkin, 42, of Parkland Mews, Long Eaton, Mark Hawkins, 51, of Goathland Close, Bestwood Park, Mark Haining, 51, of Stamford Road, West Bridgford, Henry Kellie, 48, of Lubenham, Market Harborough, and Elizabeth Shier, 41, of Ramsey Drive, Arnold, were charged with affray and will appear at Nottingham Crown Court on August 10.

Mr Crawford was evicted from his home on July 2 following a dispute between him and Bradford and Bingley over an endowment mortgage covering his home.

The bank previously said repossession was "a last resort" after they wereunable to resolve the row, which started in 2012.

Bailiffs had previously been twice prevented from evicting Mr Crawford afterhundreds of strangers descended on his street in a bid to stop the process, most recently in January.