French demolition workers set about razing makeshift shelters in the “Jungle” migrant camp for a third day Wednesday under close watch of dozens of police officers equipped with water cannon.
The destruction of the southern half of the sprawling shantytown in the northern port city of Calais, where thousands of migrants and refugees have gathered in the hope of finding passage to England, has sparked often violent resistance from residents.
“You need to get out, the demolition is starting,” police warned, banging on the side of the shacks in what has become France’s biggest slum, as a bulldozer stood by.
Smoldering piles marked places where several shelters were burned down overnight, though no-one knows how the fires were started.
On Monday, residents clashed with riot police as destruction of the camp began.