In pictures: Elian seized

Dramatic scenes unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning as armed federal agents stormed the Miami house where six-year-old Elian Gonzalez has been staying.

As the officers broke in, Elian hid in a closet with Donato Dalrymple, the fisherman who rescued him last November

But there was no way to escape the Federal agents

Screaming and crying, Elian was carried out of the family home

The operation to grab Elian was over in just three minutes, according to US Attorney-General Janet Reno

Elian was driven away under cover of darkness

Elian's Miami relatives were distraught as the agents moved in

Outside the house, supporters of the Miami family broke through barricades

Some supporters were held on the ground in the back yard

Donato Dalrymple was held back by officials as Elian was removed from the house

Elsewhere, Juan Miguel Gonzalez waited anxiously to be reunited with his son