Squatters have taken over a pub in London leased by Gordon Ramsay which is currently up for sale with a guide price of £13m.
The windows of the Grade II-listed York & Albany, near Regent’s Park, have been boarded up, while a notice taped to a door said the group had a right to occupy the venue.
Kitchen Nightmares host Ramsay called the police on Wednesday but was unable to have the squatters removed, it is understood.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement they were made “aware of squatters at a disused property” but added: “This is a civil matter and so police did not attend the property.”
Film director Gary Love bought the freehold of the former 19th century coaching inn and leased the pub to Ramsay on a 25-year term with an annual rent of £640,000.
Ramsay unsuccessfully attempted to free himself from the lease in a legal battle at the High Court in 2015 and the venue went on sale at the end of last year with a guide price of £13m.
Two people wearing masks and black tracksuits and carrying rucksacks and carrier bags were seen leaving the pub on Saturday morning.
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A piece of paper taped to a door, which has been signed by “The Occupiers”, said : “Take notice that we occupy this property and at all times there is at least one person in occupation.
“That any entry or attempt to enter into these premises without our permission is therefore a criminal offence as any one of us who is in physical possession is opposed to such entry without our permission.
“That if you attempt to enter by violence or by threatening violence we will prosecute you.
“You may receive a sentence of up to six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
“That if you want to get us out you will have to issue a claim for possession in the County Court or in the High Court.”
Another notice asked passers-by for “food and clothes donations or anything else you no longer want or need”.
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According to government guidance, squatters can apply to become the registered owners of a property if they have occupied it continuously for 10 years, acted as owners for the whole of that time and had not previously been given permission to live there by the owner.
A representative of Ramsay declined to comment when contacted by Sky News.
Source : Sky News
