A group of travellers have set up camp at a playing field.

Caravans have been spotted at Luton Recreation Ground - an area frequented regularly by dog walkers, football teams and children using the play area.

Medway Council says it has been made aware of the encampment in Capstone Road and is taking action.

Police were also called to reports of an unlawful encampment yesterday evening (June 24) and say they are liaising with the land owners, Medway Council.

It comes shortly after up to 25 vehicles were spotted at Hook Meadow in Walderslade Road, Chatham where last week an encampment converged on the field.

Earlier this month dozens of caravans and vehicles also descended on Beechings Playing Fields in Twydalll Lane, Gillingham - another popular destination for unauthorised groups.

Between June and August last year, caravans arrived three times in just six weeks leaving nearby residents living in fear, having faced hostility and anti-social behaviour from previous groups.

Under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, police in England and Wales were given new powers to address harms caused by unauthorised encampments and new guidance was published.

It comes amid a chronic shortage of gypsy and traveller sites across the UK.

A spokesperson for Medway Council said: “We are aware of the group and are following a civil legal process to move them on.”