'It is our home and we intend to stay here': 'Anarchist' squatters move into former headquarters of scandal-hit charity Kids Company

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Squatters have occupied the former headquarters of the scandal-hit charity Kids Company after it was shut down.

The building, which also served as a drop-in centre and shelter for troubled children, is now home to up to 60 squatters, mostly from Poland, Lithuania, Spain, France and Italy.

Yesterday, a man could be seen clambering over the locked gates. 

A man could be seen clambering over the locked gates of the Kids Company headquarters (pictured) yesterday

The Polish squatter, who would not give his name, said he worked as a chef and had nowhere else to live. 

A printed sign attached to the gates claims the intruders – some of whom describe themselves as anarchists – have a legal right to be there since the building, in Camberwell, South London, is not a residential property. 

It states: 'If you want to get us out you will have to issue a claim for possession in the County Court or High Court. We live in this property. It is our home and we intend to stay here.'

One man living near the area said: 'There is already a mess outside where they've left their rubbish. When the police turned up they said it was nothing to do with them.'

The Kids Company headquarters (pictured), which also served as a drop-in centre and shelter for troubled children, is now home to up to 60 squatters

Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh (pictured) was unavailable for comment last night

More police arrived yesterday, but two officers just rattled the building's padlocked gates and then left.

Kids Company closed in August amid financial chaos and allegations of sexual abuse. Founder Camila Batmanghelidjh was unavailable for comment last night.

A police spokesman said officers attended to check that no crimes had been committed, adding: 'This is a civil matter between the squatters and the owners of the building.'