SQUATTERS have moved into the former BHS store - and are planning to stage a “Phil Green’s knighthood leaving party” tonight, Friday.

The group said the department store in Coney Street, York, which closed down in August, was a great squat, with electricity, heating, running water and toilets.

Even the lift and moving staircase were still working, said Becky Lockwood, from nearby Dunnington, who said a group of musicians had made a music video using mirrors left in the store as props.

They said they plan to hold a “Phil Green’s knighthood leaving party” on Friday - a reference to the under-fire former owner of BHS, Sir Philip Green.

The squatter, who did not wish to be named, said: “First and foremost, we are living here as a place for survival and just to keep the shelter over our heads.

“But we are hoping to outfit the place with a rig, and we always have live music as well and a DJ set.” The squatters’ stay at BHS looks likely to come to an end next week, with a claim for possession of property set to be heard at York County Court on Monday.