A group of travellers who arrived at a leisure centre car park in Colchester overnight have been moved on this morning.

Colchester Borough Council confirmed that 17 vehicles, mostly motorhomes, had parked at the Leisure World car park in Cowdray Avenue last night, where they remained this morning.

It is understood to be the group evicted from Cromer’s Runton Road car park on Sunday, which coincided with a weekend of disturbances resulting in the town going into “lockdown” amidst safety fears.

However, Essex Police has not confirmed whether this is the case.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “A section 61 notice was issued this morning, Monday, August 21, to an unauthorised traveller encampment at Colchester Leisure Centre, Cowdray Avenue, ordering the travellers to leave by midday today.

“Officers are present to ensure the encampment moves on without any further disruption.”

Officers were also called to a pub in North Hill, Colchester, at around 3.30am this morning, where a disturbance was reported involving some of the travellers group.

Police confirmed no arrests had been made, but escorted them back to their encampment at the leisure centre car park.

Chief Inspector Shaun Kane added: “Essex Police have worked alongside Colchester Borough Council in taking these steps to move the unauthorised encampment on.

“With criteria met, we have made the decision, in agreement with our partners, to issue a section 61 notice, to minimise disruption to the public and local businesses.

“Where any criminal activity has taken place, officers will investigate these incidents.”