Travellers are preparing to leave Dale Farm but police are braced for possible further violence.

Bailiffs, employed by Basildon Council removed the final five protesters who had chained themselves to barricades this morning.

The main gate - images of which have come to symbolise resistance within the site - has been torn down with heavy machinery.

Senior resident Kathleen McCarthy said she now wished to leave, once obstacles are removed, and the majority of residents are expected to join her. Most plan to relocate to Oak Road, on the neighbouring legal site.

A small number of new protesters, who are not connected to the main resistance movement, have arrived at the site - some chanting pro-IRA slogans.

A new scaffold structure has been erected inside and there is evidence of them collecting flammable items.

While the site is now largely peaceful, there were minor skirmishes with a handful of protesters last night. Police are confident the main threat has been removed but are alert to the threat of fresh violence.

Superintendent Trevor Roe, from Essex Police, said: "As far as I'm aware, the residents have offered no violence whatsoever.

"Many want to leave and we are trying to facilitate that.

"We can deal with any other structures and any disorder at a later time."

Essex Police, joined by nine other forces under mutual aid, are keen to scale back their operation and allow bailiffs to take the lead once the threat of violence is removed.

A total of 34 people have been arrested and one charged with a public order offence of not removing a face-covering when asked.

Police have not arrested a man who was hit with a Taser as riot-trained officers entered the site yesterday.

The person hit with the Taser "fell back into the crowd" and disappeared, Mr Roe said.

He said: "If that person wants to make themselves known, we are happy to hear from them."

No travellers have been arrested and only one of those being held is local to Basildon.

Mrs McCarthy said: "We have been terrified by the level of violence and this was never the plan.

"I have a 16-year-old daughter in my caravan. We had no power last night and were freezing and scared.

"We want to leave but at the moment we are being prevented from doing so by the bailiffs.

"We have nowhere to go and will move on to the legal site. Basildon Council say they have offered us alternatives, but they have not."

Council leader Tony Ball said: "Where we are now is where we would like to have been yesterday - residents are saying they want to leave peacefully.

"The delay was caused by violent resistance in the morning and peaceful resistance in the afternoon.

"I am comfortable with the fact those carrying out the clearance are trained professionals and will behave accordingly."

Mr Ball added: "We have made travellers aware of alternative sites ... and made offers to provide for the elderly, vulnerable and young. So far those offers have not been accepted."