Liverpool, May 4 (RHC)-- A group of UK activists occupying an empty Bank of England building in Liverpool says police are trying to stave them out. The anti-austerity "Love Activists" had entered the building in April to stage a protest and help provide shelters for the homeless of Liverpool when they came under police siege and were refused delivery of food and water.

Merseyside police, which cover the area of Liverpool, have denied this and claimed that protesters had in fact rejected their offer of bottled water. The added they have no intention of forcing out the protesters and have given them the option to voluntarily leave without facing repercussions.

Juliette Edgar, an occupier who spoke to the media from inside the building, said the group will not be leaving anytime soon. "We have barricaded all the doors and entrances," she said. "This is a former Bank of England building, it's very secure. There are vaults in here."

The occupiers had entered the building in April with the intention of transforming the derelict building into a space for homeless people and had received a court order demanding their exit. So far, there have been six arrests including a homeless person who stood in support of the group.