Washington police close camp near President

Maryland Leader Saturday 4th February, 2012

Police in Washington have closed down a large camping area containing members of the "Occupy" movement.

The encampment, one of the biggest protest areas in the United States, was only a few blocks from the White House.

The McPherson Square camp was closed on Saturday, with police seizing tents and sleeping equipment.

While demonstrators have complained the police evicted them forcibly, officials have pointed to the laws that allow demonstrations at the site but prohibit camping.

Occupy DC was one of the few remaining camps in US cities which sprung up in the final months of 2011 in protest against economic inequities and Wall St big business.