A traveller encampment has pitched up on the field of a Southend park.

Around four caravans were spotted arriving at Jones Memorial Recreation Ground, on Eastern Avenue, yesterday afternoon.

Southend Council have confirmed that they are aware of the encampment and visited the site yesterday to serve the first notices to move them on.

This comes after a group settled in at Rayleigh Leisure Centre on Priory Chase, Rayleigh, as well as Rawreth Cricket Club, on Wednesday.

Together with the Essex Countrywide Traveller Unit (ECTU), Rochford Council have started the process to move the encampment on.

Read more:

Traveller caravans arrive at Rayleigh Leisure Centre

Man freed from overturned car after road smash

Bosses at Rayleigh Asda, on Rawreth Lane, also confirmed that an encampment had arrived in their car park, but that an eviction notice was served by the council on Wednesday to move them on.

It is not yet known if they remain at the Rayleigh sites, or if the latest arrival is the same group.

Rochford Council have been contacted for comment.