Please help - Can I Remove a Neighbour's Fence Clearly on My Land?

[Postman Pat]

Our neighbour from hell has erected a fence, not on the boundary but 4 metres onto our land in an attempt to steal land because they know we can't afford to litigate. I have emailed them to ask them to remove the fence, which they have simply ignored. The neighbour calls the Police on 999 and claim harassment and criminal damage every time I try to remove the fence. They have also used about 30 large screws to fix each panel to each fence post, which are themselves concreted into the ground to deter me removing it. They have also used spikes to further deter me. I have showed the visiting Police officers the Land Registry documents including the plan/map to prove that the fence is unquestionably our land but despite acknowledging that it is on our land they say that that is a civil matter for solicitors (which we can't afford) and point out that criminal damage is a Police matter if I damage the fence. Surely, that particular Police officer is wrong if the fence is wholly on our land? It is clear that the neighbour will not remove the fence from my land despite civil requests. Can I now just chop it down at the base of the posts? If not why not and what else could I possibly do please? This is driving me nuts - please help.

[atticus]

You will need to take civil action for damages for trespass and an injunction to prevent repetition. Do you have legal expenses insurance cover, for example with a home or motor policy?