An unauthorised traveller camp was evicted by Dorset Police on Friday night.

The group had originally been located in the area of Boundary Lane in St Leonards, with a report made to police on Monday April 26.

Following liaison with local partners, those responsible for the site and those present, the group was issued with an order under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, requiring them to leave the site on the morning of Friday May 6.

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

Police said they received a number of complaints relating to issues such as anti-social behaviour and littering.

Through powers under Section 62 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, police issued the group with an eviction notice on the afternoon of Friday May 6 requiring them to leave the site and relocate to a designated local authority site.

Officers attended the Holmwood Park site on the afternoon of Friday 6 May 2022 to ensure that the order was complied with.

Superintendent Dean O’Connor 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.”