A self-styled African tribe who set up camp on the Scottish Borders have finally been evicted by police.
Three people, who claim they are from the “Kingdom of Kubala”, have been residing in the forest near the town of Jedburgh since spring.
The group claimed they were reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors more than four centuries ago.
But on Thursday morning, officers and immigration enforcement officials moved into the woods and detained the members of the tribe.
It comes as a mother from Texas accused the "cult" of brainwashing her daughter to move 4,000 miles away by preying on her vulnerabilities.
Aspiring lawyer Kaura Taylor, 21, joined the tribe as a "handmaiden" after being reported missing from Dallas in May.
She is currently living in Scotland with Zimbabwe nationals Ghanaian Kofi Offeh, 36, and Jean Gasho, 43, who describe themselves as King Atehehe and Queen Nandi.
Ms Taylor’s mother Melba Whitehead, 45, has pleaded for authorities to deport her daughter to the United States so they can be reunited.
She told Sky News: "They utilised the fact that she was angry. To encourage her to get away. They used the fact she was penniless.
"They utilised the funds that they had at their disposal to send for her. They made that happen. She's totally brainwashed. This is a cult.”
Ms Whitehead added: "This isn't just another young adult rebelling. This isn't just another young adult who's mad at the world. The difference is she's under someone else's spell in another country."
Ms Taylor denied being coerced, saying: "Others are not my concern. People who care about my best interests know why I am here."
When asked if he was operating a cult, Mr Offeh replied: "This is the Kingdom... brainwashing is the best thing ever to happen to man if it is coming from the right source. For everyone's brain needs to be washed by righteousness."
Last week, Selkirk Sheriff Court granted an order banning the tribe from any land in the area owned by the local council.
The Standard has approached Police Scotland for comment.
