BAILIFFS and police were this morning preparing to advance further into Dale Farm to clear the site of caravans and evict travellers from their homes.

It came after yesterday's operation which essentially moved protesters from the site at Crays Hill.

The start of the eviction descended into violence with two people Tasered, 23 arrests and missiles thrown at police.

Protesters were arrested for various offences including violent disorder, breach of the peace and obstruction after riot police entered the UK's largest illegal travellers' site in Essex to clear the way for bailiffs.

Around 50 officers were pelted with rocks and liquids as they broke down a rear fence to get in. Protesters chanted: "F*** the police, no justice, no peace." They also set fire to a caravan placed across the street inside the site.

The eviction has begun after the travellers lost their final high court battle to stop Basildon Council going ahead with the clearance of illegal plots.

Police had secured the area and removed protesters from a 40ft high scaffolding tower which had been erected at the main gate to the site. It is being dismantled which officials hope should allow access for the bailiffs on Thursday to begin removing the plots. But sporadic clashes between police and protesters were continuing.

Electricity supplies were cut and supporters said this had turned off crucial medical equipment belonging to elderly residents. Paramedics were escorted on to the site by supporters to treat resident Nora Egan, who claimed she suffered back injuries in a confrontation with police.

Essex Police said they would investigate the circumstances leading up to a woman receiving "a minor back injury".

Margaret Sheridan also claimed she was injured. "They're rough and there is no reasoning with them," she said.

Kathleen McCarthy, a Dale Farm resident, said: "The memory of Dale Farm will weigh heavily on Britain for generations - we are being dragged out of the only homes we have in this world. Our entire community is being ripped apart by Basildon Council and the politicians in Government."

An ambulance service spokesman said one resident had been taken to hospital and another was receiving treatment. Four others refused treatment.