22 January 2012
Last updated at 17:57 ET
The local government says it will help evicted families find alternative accommodation
Brazilian riot police have stormed an illegal settlement of landless workers in Sao Paulo state to reclaim the land for its private owners.
Several cars were set alight as residents tried to defend their homes in the Pinheirinho slum in Sao Jose dos Campos, and 16 people were arrested.
Police say they are now in control of the area after encountering less resistance than had been feared.
Some 6,000 residents are being evicted from the eight-year-old settlement.
Eviction
Around 2,000 police officers were involved in the operation to reclaim the private land, which had been occupied by landless workers and turned into a community.
Local government officials and social workers have been going door-to-door to evict families and help them move to alternative accommodation.
Some
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