Rome's city police have cleared out a squatters' haven in abandoned shops along the Tor di Nona, across the river Tiber from Castel S. Angelo. The city property, which consists of the remnants of 12 shops along a narrow street below the 19th century river embankment of Lungotevere, had been shut for the past 15 years, but 48 people were living in the abandoned spaces. The rooms were reportedly well outfitted with brickwork kitchens, paved floors, beds, televisions and stereos, and complete with adjacent rooms with plumbing and toilets.

The occupants were taken to the police station to be identified. The authorities said they would try to find agencies to assist the squatters, especially the women and children.