An unauthorised encampment reported in the area of Boundary Lane, St Leonards on 26 April was issued with an order requiring the group to leave the site on the morning of Friday 6 May.

Further reports were received on the same morning that the group had relocated to a nearby site in the area of Holmwood Park, Ferndown, close to a residential area.

A number of complaints relating to issues such as anti-social behaviour and littering were received by Dorset Police. The Force took positive action to liaise with the local authority and, through powers under Section 62 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, issued the group with an eviction notice on the afternoon of 6 May, requiring them to leave the site and relocate to a designated local authority site. Officers attended to ensure the order was complied with.

Superintendent Dean O’Connor, of the Dorset County Local Policing Area, said: “We have responded to the concerns that have been raised by the local community in relation to this unauthorised encampment and have taken positive action in liaison with our local partners.

“We have taken robust action to ensure the impact of this unlawful encampment was minimised and the group was promptly moved on. We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and understanding during this process.”