BAILIFFS have started evicting travellers from the illegal Hovefield site in Wickford.

Constant and Co Bailiffs, hired by Basildon District Council, arrived at the camp to clear seven unauthorised caravan pitches at 8am today.

They initially tried to take demolition vehicles onto an empty plot called Hampton Court, but it is believed caravans and vehicles were pulled on over the weekend.

There was a brief stand-off when a vehicle was parked in the entrance blocking access.

However at 9.20am the clearance began.

Full report and pictures in tomorrow’s Echo.