SIX protesters remain chained to barricades inside Dale Farm.

The supporters remained locked on to cars and trucks behind the main gate and a road block inside Dale Farm, near Basildon, despite plunging temperatures.

A police cordon of riot-equipped officers remains in place inside and outside the site. The main gate is still standing.

One protester, Harry, who is chained to the road block, said: "Last night was pretty uncomfortable but it is worth it.

"We may just be delaying the inevitable but if we don't stand up to this, nobody will. I'm prepared to stay as long as I can."

Some travellers slept off site last night but dozens remain.

One woman said she and her family were ready to leave once the gate is opened.

The main gate scaffold still stands and work is under way to demolish or open it before bailiffs begin removing homes from 48 unauthorised plots.

Resident and mother-of-four Mary Sheridan said: "I have nowhere to go but I was scared by the violence and am worried for my children.

"As soon as the gate opens I want to leave."

Others remain resolute and say they will chain themselves to their homes as bailiffs move in.