Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Scott says he will look into complaints that officers did nothing to stop a group of travellers who set up an illegal encampment on a sports pitch in Maidstone.

A total of 16 caravans moved on to the rugby and cricket ground at The Mote off Willow Way, but had left by Friday evening.

Police say they were called to reports of an incursion there at 4pm on Wednesday.

But Maidstone borough councillor Nick de Wiggondene tweeted to say he had seen the travellers arrive with officers, who did nothing to prevent them accessing the site.

He said: "We witnessesed that they were with the travellers, they were in a position to stop them and block the entrance but did not."

He also contacted the PCC to demand an explanation, to which Mr Scott replied: "Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Have asked for these complaints to be investigated in the first instance to find out more."

Police confirmed they were called to reports of travellers on sports pitches off Willow Way, Maidstone at 4pm on June 21.

"They were in a position to stop them and block the entrance but did not" - cllr de Wiggondene

A spokesman said: "Officers attended the scene and whilst there additional vehicles that were part of the incursion entered the area.

"Officers did not escort or assist with the incursion and attended to ascertain if any identifiable criminal offences had taken place.

"No offences have been disclosed at this time.

"As is the normal process for traveller incursions, the matter is a civil issue for the landowner to address, which includes the prevention of trespassing onto the land in the first instance."

The rugby season has finished but Mote Cricket Club use the adjoining pitch for home ties on Saturdays.

Fortunately their match was able to go ahead, after the travellers left yesterday.