A large group of travellers appear to have been trading horses just yards from a children's play area in Park Wood, Maidstone today.

The animals were lined up on a playing field off Bicknor Road and some are still there this evening.

An eyewitness said: "I’ve seen around 50 people and cars and vans parked all along Bicknor Road and Selby Road.

"There’s multiple horse carriages as well and horse poo everywhere.

"I’ve seen some of the men slap the horses and some are being tied to car park railings, including a tiny foal."

Kent has a long history of horse trading.

Traditionally, the Horsmonden Gypsy Horse Fair is held on the second Sunday of September each year.