A GROUP of travellers have been forced to leave the car park at Colchester Leisure World after they moved onto the site on Sunday evening. 

About 18 caravans parked up in the car park off Cowdray Avenue early last night.

Colchester Council said a number of travellers were also in the town centre where low level disorder was reported.

Three police cars were also seen at Leisure World this morning as steps were taken to try to move the travellers on.

Police confirmed that they were called to reports of unauthorised traveller encampment at around 6.15pm yesterday.

Officers attended the area to assess the camp, and liased with the landowner whilst continuing to monitor the situation. 

But this morning, Essex Police issued a Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 forcing the travellers to move on by midday today.

It is understood the travellers have arrived Colchester from Cromer.

Chief Inspector Shaun Kane said: "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.”

Police have confirmed that no further issues were reported and the travellers have now left the site.