Southend Council and police have been made aware of a "traveller camp" that has set up in a popular Eastwood park. 

Pictures show four caravan trailers, two vans and a car which appeared in Oakwood Park, Eastwood, off Stephenson Road, without warning around 6.30pm yesterday.

It is understood that Southend Council has been made aware and councillors have asked for legal action to be taken "to have them removed from our property."

Eastwood Park Lib Dem councillor Rob McMullan said: "We had four caravans that were in there, the police have been up to see them.

"I have personally spoken to the head of legal services at the council and councillor Martin Terry, responsible for public safety so everyone is aware of the situation and we have asked for legal action to have them removed from our property.

"We have been good at taking steps and we have always tried to take measures wherever possible.

"We have had contact from residents, during last nights council meeting, alerting us that vehicles had arrived and the concern that they shouldn't be there.

"Police have said that any criminal activity must be reported to them immediately and they have been up there."

Southend Council and Essex Police have both been approached for comment.