TRAVELLERS have moved on after setting up camp in a car park amid reports of 'aggressive' behaviour.

Essex Police were contacted at 9.35pm on Friday, April 13, with reports of an unauthorised traveller encampment in the car park of Waitrose, in Fossetts Way, Southend.

There were also reports of individuals acting in an aggressive manner towards staff.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "Officers attended and spoke with the travellers and staff.

"The site was assessed and monitored.

"We served notices under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

"The group left the site this morning and moved to the car park of the nearby B&Q.

"We remain in attendance to monitor the situation and are working to resolve it as quickly as possible."

The group left B&Q by around 10am.

The spokeswoman added: "Police can only use Section 61 powers if it is lawful, necessary and proportionate in the individual circumstances.

"The act of trespass is a civil matter and we work with landowners to try and resolve these matters as quickly as possible.

"Unauthorised encampments are subject to regular site assessments and where criminal offences are committed and allegations of anti-social behaviour are made, we will make every effort to hold those responsible to account for their actions."