AN unauthorised traveller encampment has been set up on Longforth Farm, Wellington, with police investigating reports of antisocial behaviour.

The encampment on privately owned land off Lillebonne Way arrived "early last week", according to locals, with landowners now seeking a legal resolution.

One resident, who wishes to stay anonymous, said: "They have been riding scrambler motorbikes around public footpaths on a housing estate with young children and around the field, underneath an old Oak tree where bats are known to roost, around ponds with swans and cygnets."

They added: "Now 400 residents just have to sit back and watch a lovely dog walking area being trashed and turned into a motocross track."

Avon and Somerset Police said: "Officers have in recent days attended the site of an unauthorised encampment on privately-owned land off Lillebonne Way in Wellington.

"Trespass is a civil offence and therefore enquiries to identify the landowner have been carried out to establish whether the people staying on site have had permission to do so. We are now working with the landowner to seek a legal resolution.

"Over the weekend we received reports of antisocial behaviour in the area, as well as a group of juveniles trying door handles to properties and pushing a small number of children, which will be investigated.

"We are continuing to carry out high-visibility reassurance patrols in the area. We’d advise anyone with concerns to please speak to those officers and PCSOs and to call 101 regarding any crimes not yet reported to us."