Police were called to an unlawful Traveller encampment outside a DIY store not long after a suspected attempt to break into a new swimming centre car park was reported.

The caravans were seen arriving at the car park for the B&Q, in Gillingham this morning and were described by shoppers as having “no respect”.

One onlooker posted online: “They are all over the car park, parking their cars over three spaces.

“Their kids are running all over the place. There is no respect.”

Police confirmed their attendance at the retail premises in Will Adams Way at around 11.15am.

“Officers attended and have liaised with representatives from the business,” a spokesman said.

Meanwhile, a group of caravans had also been reported in the corner of the Tesco car park in Courteney Road, Gillingham yesterday, as well as attempting to enter Beechings Way playing fields.

It comes after a “group” reportedly tried to access the car park to the new-look Cozenton Park leisure centre yesterday.

The £23m sports complex, formerly known as Splashes, is currently being rebuilt and is set to reopen in a few weeks time.

A Medway Council spokesman said an attempt to access the site was unsuccessful and it’s understood police were alerted.

“There was some damage to the bolt system, which contains the padlock, but the site has been resecured,” they added.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “On the evening of June 27 patrols attended a report that the drivers of several vehicles were attempting to unlawfully enter land near Bloors Lane, Gillingham.

“A man was arrested in connection with an allegation a padlock had been damaged and he was taken into custody. Officers spoke to other motorists who were present and they departed.”

The arrested man was later released without charge and police said the investigation into the reported damage is ongoing.

A B&Q spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the unauthorised access to the store site was temporary, and has been resolved.”