Police were called in to deal with an altercation when a pub owner attempted to reclaim his building from a group of squatters.

Officers attended the former Angel and Crown Pub in Mill Hill after receiving calls from both the owner of the pub and the occupiers at 7.40pm yesterday (Wednesday).

About eight men, at least one of whom is understood to be the owner of the pub, had attempted to gain access to the building, which has been occupied by a group of squatters for the past three weeks.

The squatters, some of whom previously occupied The Bohemia pub in North Finchley, barricaded the doors and informed the men of their legal right to remain in the building.

Barnet Police attended the incident around ten minutes after the owners attempted to enter the pub.

A force spokesman said today that officers advised the owners to seek legal advice on how to seek a possession order to evict the squatters.