TRAVELLERS have moved into Basildon Sporting Village's car park.

Customers of the sporting village reported seeing around a dozen caravans park up in the car park at around 8.30pm last night.

Many caravans remain on site this morning.

It is not yet known if they will be removed today.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were contacted around 7.15pm on Sunday following reports of an unauthorised traveller encampment at Sporting Village, Cranes Farm Road, Basildon.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and are liaising with the landowner."

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: "We are aware of an illegal encampment at the Basildon Sporting Village and are working with partner agencies, including the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit, to deal with the matter as swiftly as possible."